A study out of the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences revealed the perceived discrimination experienced by women who decline certain medical procedures during pregnancy and childbirth, such as cesarean sections, epidurals, and episiotomies. Reports of poor treatment rose significantly for women of color who advocated for their own choices regarding these procedures.
Dr. Sacks, who researches women of color and especially Black middle class women's experiences in the health care industry, was contacted by Reuters Health for commentary.
“Women have hopes, dreams and desires for the life-changing time of childbirth. Being able to have agency during that time is important, especially for racial and ethnic minorities who have experienced a lack of autonomy or power to make their own decisions.”
Read the full article Opting Out of Procedures During Childbirth Tied to Discrimination.