12 November 2024 1 minute read
Chelsea BentonMajor: Health Science
Classification: Junior
What health disparity are you interested in solving and why?
I am deeply committed to addressing the health disparity of maternal mortality, particularly the alarming rates at which Black women die during childbirth and pregnancy. This issue is profoundly personal and significant to me because it represents a critical failure of our healthcare system to protect and provide equitable care for all women. Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts, a disparity rooted in systemic racism, implicit bias in healthcare, and unequal access to quality medical care.
As a future obstetrician-gynecologist, my passion lies in transforming the narrative of women’s health, particularly for marginalized communities. The disparity in maternal mortality is not just a statistic but a reflection of the lived experiences of countless women who are overlooked, undervalued, and underserved. It reflects how Black women’s pain and symptoms are often dismissed, their medical histories ignored, and their voices silenced in healthcare settings. I want to change this by creating a healthcare system where every woman, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, is seen, heard, and treated with dignity. This involves advocating for culturally competent care, promoting implicit bias training for healthcare professionals, and pushing for policy changes that prioritize maternal health equity.
Additionally, I envision leveraging my future roles in healthcare administration and public health to implement community-driven initiatives, such as accessible prenatal care programs, patient education, and postpartum support services tailored to the unique needs of Black women. This disparity is not only a public health crisis but also a social justice issue. By tackling maternal mortality, we address broader systemic inequities and set the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate healthcare system. My ultimate goal is to ensure that no woman’s life is cut short due to preventable complications and that Black women, in particular, can experience safe, empowering, and joyful pregnancies.