We have seen the symptoms and requests of Black birthing people—even famous Black women like Serena Williams—being ignored prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that Black women are more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications as White women. And, unfortunately, during this current crisis, the risk of not being respected in maternity care is heightened by lack of communication and the move from in person to virtual or telehealth.
Doctors Toni Lewis and Joia Crear Perry of the Health Equity Cypher, along with Lisa Walker, M.D., discuss how Black people, specifically Black birthing people, can ensure they are receiving the care that they need to thrive.