A pregnant woman’s bliss is unparalleled. It radiates from carrying their child in the womb until delivering them to the world. They protect their bundle of joy by turning to their doctors to receive quality care during these delicate times.
Unfortunately, a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey shows that one in five women experience some form of mistreatment during maternity care. Findings revealed inequalities mostly based on race and insurance coverage.
20% of the 2,402 respondents claimed to face mistreatment. Of the 20%, 30% were Black, followed by Hispanics at 29% and multiracial at 27%. 28% of women without insurance and 26% with public insurance felt discriminated against, compared to 16% with private insurance.
The CDC authorities aim to combat this problem by launching campaigns and support networks encouraging women to speak up and not hesitate to report the slightest hint of medical misconduct.
Signs of mistreatment
While there is yet a definite conclusion linking the new survey to the 40% maternal death rate increase in 2021, the CDC reiterates that no pregnant woman must be subject to any of the following unacceptable medical practices:
- Verbal abuse
- Infringement of physical privacy
- Unresponsiveness to requests for help
- Threats associated with withholding and unwanted treatment
The CDC officials encourage the health care community to address these issues through open communication between patients and a diverse workforce. Doing so seeks to circumvent preventable injuries, complications and deaths.
Equitable and respectful care
Pregnant women rely on their medical team for optimal care, regardless of their race, insurance status or any type of measure. But, per a recent survey, substandard care still exists. When faced with tragic injuries or fatalities, pregnant women can depend on their North Carolina counsel to seek legal options for the equitable and respectful care they deserve.