Wow. Jumping into this week’s readings, it was difficult to hear and feel the blatant disrespect the woman experienced during her labor in A Birth Story. The treatment she experienced during such an important and sensitive time in her life was horrific. No woman should have to go through more stress after putting so much energy into her birth plan, and then giving birth to a new life. The women who wrote this passage introduced me to obstetric racism, a term I had never heard before. Obstetric racism is the makeup of seven dimensions; diagnostic lapses; neglect, dismissiveness, or disrespect; intentionally causing pain; coercion; ceremonies of degradation; medical abuse; and racial reconnaissance. As I read through these I saw how clearly they neglected, degraded and dismissed her, intentionally caused pain, and coerced her into changing her birth plan- when it was not necessary. All these terms that fall under the umbrella of obstetric racism are new to me, but unfortunately do not surprise me- and that is a huge problem. These problems that arise due to neglect and mistreatment should not be normalized in the medical world.

Again in the article, 12 Reasons for it to be Illegal for Doctors Not to Treat Trans People, we see raw stories of trans non binary people literally begging for their voices to be heard regarding general access to healthcare- something that every American should be granted regardless of race or gender. Having to prove your gender identity and back it up with reasons why they need healthcare is unbelievably demeaning. It was extremely difficult to read Stacy Bowen’s story, as she now carries a do not resusticate band and note because she would rather die than be forced to beg for proper medical attention. To be constantly questioned rather than cared for is a horrible feeling.