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We wanted to round off the #fivexmoreaw20 awareness week with a series of asks and a list of what we want to see change. These statistics have been rising for decades and it’s completely unacceptable (THREAD)
What do we want: Close the gap. We want the NHS to commit to a target of bringing the numbers down with a CLEAR PLAN OF ACTION SPECIFIC FOR BLACK WOMEN
What do we want: For more health professionals to be aware of these statistics, disparities and injustices so they can give targeted care for Black women
What do we want: Stop using the word BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic). Say Black if you mean Black. Black women have the highest risk and have done so for decades now. Stop lumping anyone who is not white into the same group, it’s lazy.
What do we want: LISTEN to our voices and experiences and learn from them so you can administer better care for Black women
What do we want: For Health Professionals to check themselves for any implicit biases that may come into play when caring for Black women. Implicit bias is not intentional but it can still affect how you judge and treat others.
What do we want: The history of Black women in medicine AND the MBRRACE statistics to be taught to all health professionals working in maternity. Do you know where the Sims Speculum comes from? We suggest looking into the “father of modern gynaecology” J. Marion Sims
What do we want: Accept the role race and racism plays in these statistics. These disparities and the five fold difference can’t be down to biological factors alone
What do we want: To go beyond the statistics of mortality (deaths) to uncover morbidity and the lived experiences of Black women so we can gain a better understanding of what’s going on and what needs to change
What do we want: More diversity at higher levels and across the boards of those that make decisions. We need more Black people in prominent places to help further promote change
