A new report reveals that Black women are 25% more likely to undergo a cesarean section (C-section) than white women, raising concerns about implicit racial bias in healthcare. The study, conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, analyzed nearly one million births at 68 hospitals in New Jersey from 2008 to 2017. Researchers suggest that financial incentives and implicit bias among healthcare providers may contribute to this disparity.
The report indicates that Black women are more likely to experience pressure from clinicians to undergo C-sections, even when they are not medically necessary. This trend is alarming, as C-sections carry higher risks of complications compared to vaginal births. Mark Simon, MD, chief medical officer at Ob Hospitalist Group, emphasized the importance of addressing these disparities, stating, “It’s crucial that healthcare workers receive training on implicit bias to help recognize and reduce disparities in patient care.”
The study also highlights that Black mothers in New Jersey face higher rates of maternal mortality and serious complications during childbirth compared to other racial groups. This disparity persists even when Black women are treated by the same doctors in the same hospitals as white women. The findings underscore the need for systemic changes in maternal healthcare to ensure equitable treatment for all patients.
The report calls for continued efforts to address these disparities and improve maternal health outcomes for Black women.
See “Black Women Are 25% More Likely to Have a C-Section Than White Women” (September 13, 2024)
