Personal Injury Law
California Hospitals Fail to Address Bias in Maternal Care, Putting Black Mothers at Risk California has long been seen as a leader in improving maternal outcomes, but a recent investigation by the state Department of Justice reveals that many hospitals are failing to comply with a law requiring staff to complete racism in medicine training. This lack of compliance is particularly concerning given the persistently high death rates among Black mothers in the state. Despite accounting for only 5 percent of pregnancies, Black women make up 21 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in California. Additionally, the mortality rate for Black infants is three times higher than that of white infants. These disparities in outcomes are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need for change. The investigation found that when it began in 2021, no hospitals were in compliance, and not a single employee had completed the required training. While 76 percent of hospitals surveyed had started training employees by August 2022, most had not completed it. Two hospitals had not fully trained any staff, and 13 did not provide any information to the department. This lack of action is deeply concerning and underscores the need for stronger regulations and enforcement. Racism in healthcare settings has long been recognized as a contributing factor to poor outcomes. Black women in California consistently report mistreatment during pregnancy based on their race, age, socioeconomic class, sexuality, and marital status. They also face challenges in getting their pain acknowledged and advocating for their own health. A national survey revealed that false beliefs about biological differences between white and Black patients are held by medical students and residents, leading to dismissive attitudes and inaccurate treatment decisions. Implicit bias training is the bare minimum that healthcare professionals can do to address these issues, but it is not enough on its own. Maternal and infant health disparities persist among Black women and babies regardless of education or income levels. Celebrities like Serena Williams and Beyoncé have shared their near-death experiences during childbirth, shining a light on the systemic issues that need to be addressed. Recent maternal deaths in Los Angeles, such as those of Bridgette Cromer and April Valentine, have further highlighted the urgent need for change. Both women experienced preventable complications during childbirth that ultimately led to their deaths. The closure of Centinela Hospital Medical Center’s maternity ward following Valentine’s death serves as a stark reminder of the healthcare disparities that persist in our society. To address these issues, Attorney General Rob Bonta recommends adopting additional regulations, setting clear compliance deadlines, designating a state agency for enforcement, and introducing penalties for noncompliance. Former state Sen. Holly Mitchell, who authored the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act, emphasizes the importance of hospitals following the law and ensuring that their staff undergo the required training. It is crucial that we listen to the data and the experiences of Black women and take substantial, transformative action to address the disparities in maternal care. This includes not only providing training to address bias in medicine but also addressing systemic issues within healthcare institutions. Every patient deserves to receive quality care, regardless of their race or background. The time for change is now. Tag: Medical Malpractice Featured Image: Disparities in Maternal Care Note: The 150-character meta description is not provided.
October 28, 2023
