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After watching the trial from yesterday, I’m still struck by the ongoing discussion of George Floyd’s past medical history and the attempt to weaponize it. /1
Mr. Floyd had a history of Sickle Cell trait, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease—all diseases that disproportionately affect Black patients. /2
Sickle Cell trait represents an unavoidable genetic predisposition, but high blood pressure and coronary artery disease are evidence of systemic inequities within our healthcare system that contribute to health disparities. /3
Black patients disproportionately suffer from these conditions due to a lack of access to preventative care and screenings - and even if access is achieved - there is bias and racism that make Black patients less likely to receive beneficial treatments. /4
Regardless of this medical history, these were not the primary cause of George Floyd’s death. And yet, they’re still brought up in Chauvin’s trial, despite the cause of Mr. Floyd’s death being obvious to anyone who saw that gruesome video. /5
In his passing, George Floyd represents so much more. He is not the man on trial, and yet it is his history that is being excavated and dissected. The defense attempts to confuse the jury with conflated facts - picking and choosing details to distract from the cause of death. /6
Mr. Floyd may have battled illnesses throughout his life. They are nothing when compared to the sickness of society on display in that courtroom.
