The Stark Realities Black Women Face in the U.S. Healthcare System During Childbirth
The tragic demise of Krystal “Krissy” Anderson, a previous cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs and accomplished yoga instructor, sheds light on the profound challenges black women encounter within the U.S. healthcare system during childbirth. Krissy’s untimely death at the age of 40, following the birth of her daughter who was “born at rest”, punctuates a persistent and troubling issue in our society: the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among black women.
Understanding the Depth of the Crisis
It is a distressing fact that in the United States, black women are nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. This statistic reflects a deep-seated inequity in healthcare that has existed for decades. Despite advancements in medical technology and care protocols, the disparity in maternal mortality rates starkly highlights the bigger picture of racial inequality affecting healthcare outcomes.
Deep-Rooted Causes
Several factors contribute to the heightened risk faced by black women during childbirth. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OB-GYN, calls for a “fundamental change in the actual foundation of health care systems.” This encompasses improving insurance coverage, enhancing access to resources, and increasing the presence of healthcare facilities in underprivileged and underserved communities. Lack of adequate care in these areas, often referred to as food deserts, intensifies the difficulties faced by expectant mothers seeking necessary medical attention.
Representation Matters
The importance of representation in healthcare cannot be overstated. Studies indicate that patients treated by physicians who share their racial or ethnic background tend to have better health outcomes. However, with black physicians constituting only about 5-6% of all physicians in the U.S., and black female physicians making up a mere 2%, the likelihood of black women receiving care from a doctor who understands their unique needs and experiences is alarmingly low. This lack of representation further exacerbates the challenges faced by black women during childbirth.
A Personal Loss Illuminates a Public Issue
Krystal Anderson’s passing is a heartrending reminder of the personal tragedies behind the statistics. Her dedication to enhancing healthcare, evidenced by her contributions as a software engineer developing tools to assess post-partum hemorrhage risk, adds a poignant layer to her own story. Despite her understanding and connections within the healthcare sector, Krystal faced outcomes that are all too common among black women in the U.S.
Her husband, Clayton Anderson, shared the devastating impact of her loss, emphasizing the profound void left by her passing. Krystal’s battle with infection leading to sepsis, organ failure, and ultimately her death, underscores the critical need for systemic change in how maternal healthcare is approached and administered, particularly for black women.
Charting a Path Forward
The conversation around maternal mortality, especially as it affects black women, necessitates a multifaceted approach. Beyond improving access to care and ensuring greater representation among healthcare providers, there is a pressing need for systemic and societal changes. This includes educating healthcare professionals on cultural competency and the impacts of systemic racism on patient care, enhancing community support systems, and advocating for policies that address the root causes of health disparities.
The loss of Krystal Anderson is a sobering reminder of the consequences of inaction. As we honor her legacy, the call to action becomes even clearer. It is imperative that efforts are redoubled to dismantle the barriers preventing black women from receiving the quality care they deserve during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Only through sustained and comprehensive efforts can we hope to see a future where childbirth is safe for all mothers, irrespective of their race.
Deepika 
Mehek