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Recent revelations and studies have underscored a disturbing trend within medical facilities: pregnant Black women are more likely to be tested for drug use compared to their white counterparts. The practice raises serious ethical and racial bias concerns, and the conversations being sparked are a testament to the broader issues at play.
Raising Awareness On Social Media
In a long-running TikTok post, Shannon M. Clark, MD, pointed out that specific groups of women, notably those of color, from low-income backgrounds, those with tattoos, and those perceived as “difficult” by medical professionals, are more often subjected to these tests without their informed consent. This type of decision-making, driven by apparent bias rather than evidence, is referred to as patient profiling.
@tiktokbabydoc This type of practice is harmful. Hospitals have been found to routinely drug test pregnant people without their informed consent. Drug testing should be performed only with the patient’s consent and if indicated. #pregnancy #implicitbias #pregnancytiktok #profiling #bias #discrimination #criminalization #criminalizationofpregnancy #informedconsent
Shedding Light Through Studies
Furthermore, a recent study published in the JAMA Health Forum analyzed electronic medical records from a large healthcare system in Pennsylvania, spanning from March 2018 to June 2021. The results were stark: Black women were less likely than white women to test positive for drugs, yet they were more frequently tested. The fact that Black patients were no more likely to test positive debunks any rationale for the disparity in testing frequency based solely on substance abuse concerns.
The study suggests that racial bias is the sole explanation for this discrepancy. After adjusting for multiple demographic and medical factors, Black women, even those with no prior substance use, faced a higher probability of being subjected to urine tests upon delivery. This is concerning not only because it represents an obvious racial bias but also because of the broader implications for the trust Black women can place in the medical system.
Such practices erode the bond of trust between healthcare professionals and patients. As Dr. Alison Stuebe pointed out, such practices further the mistrust Black women have towards the healthcare system. This, in a country already grappling with high maternal mortality rates among Black and Native American women, further amplifies the urgent need for reform.
Continuing The Discussion
The discussions emerging from revelations like Dr. Clark’s video and the JAMA Health Forum study spotlight the wider issue of racial disparity and biases in healthcare. Whether it’s profiling based on tattoos, socio-economic status, or race, the healthcare system’s commitment should always prioritize unbiased, respectful, and evidence-based care.
It’s imperative for healthcare institutions to recognize and rectify such discriminatory practices. This can start with training programs to raise awareness about patient profiling, reviewing hospital policies to ensure the rights and privacy of patients, and fostering an open communication environment between healthcare providers and patients.
Every individual, irrespective of their race, appearance, or socio-economic background, deserves dignified, fair, and respectful treatment. As the conversations around these discriminatory practices grow, it is hoped that they will instigate tangible change in the medical community.
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