Inequities in birth and maternal health between Black and white people persist in the South Florida medical system, according to a Human Rights Watch report released Wednesday. The group called for the Florida and US governments to address racism in the system, and to provide greater access to lifelong health care, maternal health and midwifery care for low-income people.
Florida health data revealed that Black women experience substantially higher rates of low birth weight and premature births as compared to white women. These conditions increase the risk of infant death and carry lifelong health risks. Human Rights Watch found that the use of doula services, which include patient advocacy and education, could bridge the gap of inequity in healthcare for Black and white people. The group suggested that doula care can not only offer culturally appropriate and respectful support for low-income marginalized groups, but also help eliminate informational barriers by connecting clients with local resources.
The report emphasized that the lack of insurance coverage for doula work prevents many people in South Florida from seeking care. Although Florida was one of the first states to compensate doulas under Medicaid, the US insurance system makes doula care inaccessible for low-income individuals. In the report, Human Rights Watch implored the Florida legislature to work with doulas and ensure that their services are covered by Medicaid and other forms of insurance.
Other state legislatures have recently acknowledged discrepancies in maternal care of Black and white mothers. Following suit with Florida, many have passed legislature allowing doula care to be covered by Medicaid. Additionally, activist groups are taking action to promote fairness and equality in the healthcare system, which includes advocating for reproductive justice and ending racial inequality in maternal care. The Human Rights Watch report addressed the need for the Florida legislature to continue this upward trend in promoting racial equality in maternal care.
