Birth injuries are a serious issue in the United States. While women of all shapes, colors, and sizes endure birth injuries, the rates at which mothers and their babies sustain these injuries are not at all equal.
Keep reading to learn more about racial disparities in birth injuries.
Racial Disparities Exist in Birth Injuries
According to a study conducted by the United States Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Approximately 700 women die annually in the United States as a result of pregnancy or its complications; racial/ethnic disparities exist.”
As you can see from the graph below, Black and Native American women are significantly more likely to endure pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 births than White, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander women.
Over time, racial disparities have persisted throughout age groups and exist even in states with the lowest pregnancy-related mortality rates and among people with higher education levels.
Multiple Factors are to Blame
An average of three to four contributing factors are to blame for the racial disparities in birth injuries. Virtually all levels have been identified to contribute to birth injuries, including:
- Community
- Health facility
- Patient/family
- Provider
- System
The CDC states that “Chronic diseases associated with increased risk for pregnancy-related mortality (e.g., hypertension) are more prevalent and less well controlled in Black women.”
Systemic Factors
The following systemic factors are believed to exacerbate birth injury racial disparities:
- Gaps in health care coverage and preventative care
- Lack of coordinated health care
- Social services
Community Factors
The following community factors are believed to exacerbate birth injury racial disparities:
- Securing transportation for medical visits
- Inadequate housing
We’re Here to Help
Don’t allow those who’ve acted negligently to get away with their behavior. Once you’ve sought the treatment, support, and care you need for you and/or your baby, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Our team here at Dempsey Kingsland Osteen is highly skilled in the area of birth injury medical malpractice law and has helped many other people just like you obtain justice. Let us see if we can help you, too. Don’t delay—reach out to our office with your case right away.
Call Dempsey Kingsland Osteen today at (816) 484-3776 or contact us online for a free consultation regarding your case.
The legal team at Dempsey Kingsland Osteen works to ensure that the injured are fully compensated for their lasting injuries from medical malpractice or other negligence. We push for comprehensive damages that anticipate the long-term needs of our clients, rather than taking a quick settlement out of convenience.
Loading...