This time, last week, I was recovering from a 4.5-hour surgery. A surgery that would end 18 months of suffering in silence. I thank God for empowering the medical team responsible for my care and successful surgery. But as I reflected on this lived experience, there are two important aspects that I’d like to call out.
First, is the maternal mortality rate for Black women and Black women’s health in general. Today as we become aware of the untimely death of athlete Torie Bowie who died during childbirth, PLEASE become an advocate to eliminate the disparities that continue to exist in black women’s healthcare. According to the CDC, “in 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black (subsequently, Black) women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for non-Hispanic White (subsequently, White) women (26.6).” According to a Johns Hopkins article, “CDC data shows that Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women, with most of the maternal deaths being preventable. This heightened risk spans all income and education levels. According to the study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, the wealthiest Black woman in California is at a higher risk of maternal mortality than the least wealthy White woman.” I have had the blessing of access to attentive and empathetic medical care. But I acknowledge 1) the inequitable number of fellow black women who DON’T have access to medical care or 2) fellow black women who don’t have an “attentive and empathetic” medical team that actually LISTENS and responds to their needs and situation.
Having an empathetic team relates to my second callout. I mentioned previously that I suffered in silence…but that was on me…NOT…on my medical team. Once I shared my status with my doctor, I had the additional blessing of a doctor who responded immediately…and put a plan and a solution in place. And not only a plan, but in the midst of my surgery she realized that unanticipated things needed to occur and she took the extra time to ensure that they did. But even before the surgery, as a staunch STEMINIST (and a STEMINST for women of color) I would be remiss if I didn’t share, that as the anesthesia set in and I closed my eyes, the pride I had 1) entrusting my black, female doctor to my care and 2) realizing that I was in an operating room filled with female doctors, anesthesiologists, nurses, and OR nurses – where half the team was Black medical professionals. So please allow me to make my usual appeal for equity in STEM education and access. For me #representationALWAYSmatter. Last week became another lived experience of WHY it matters.
Tokiwa T. Smith Tamara Pearson, PhD Nikole Collins-Puri Terri-Nichelle Bradley Davida Morgan-Washington Ayana Gabriel Tene Traylor Janelle Williams, PhD Andrea P. Miller, Ed.S. Andrea Wright Stephanie Espy Quincy Kissiedu-Brown Ashley Huderson, PhD Mekka Smith Kristina Newton
