Most people consider welcoming a new baby into the world to be a life-changing moment, but for some women, especially women of color, it can be a truly daunting experience. The disparities in healthcare concerning the treatment of pregnant women, particularly Black women, are alarming. With the current racial climate, more Black women are opting for healthcare professionals who share their background and experiences. In a heartfelt essay for Women’s Health Magazine, “Insecure” star Samantha Wells shared her decision to assemble an all-Black care team for the birth of her second child.
“I discovered I was pregnant on the day George Floyd was killed,” Samantha wrote. “It was an odd mix of grief and joy. Being Black in America during that time was challenging. I wouldn’t trade my identity for anything, but it was hard to see a country that wasn’t built for us. Bringing another Black life into the world, I wanted his experience to be different. I wanted him to be welcomed into the world by Black hands that would provide the care I truly deserved.”
Wells’ choice resonates with many African American women who are beginning to seek out Black healthcare providers. Systematic racism in the medical field often leaves Black women feeling marginalized during pregnancy. According to the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Black women face a three to four times higher risk of maternal mortality than their white counterparts. In cities like Chicago, that statistic can be as high as six times greater. The stereotype of the strong Black woman can negatively impact the quality of care they receive, especially during pregnancy and postpartum—an essential time when many women still require medical attention.
Black women frequently find their pain dismissed and their concerns overlooked. They are also less likely to receive close monitoring for conditions like preeclampsia and high blood pressure, despite being more prone to these issues. “I wanted to ensure that my worries and pains would be acknowledged. I didn’t want to have to explain my concerns about fibroids, which many Black women face, or my fears regarding a C-section due to keloid scars—something that darker-skinned individuals are more susceptible to developing,” Wells explained in her piece.
Samantha isn’t the first prominent Black woman to address the inequalities in maternal healthcare. In 2018, tennis superstar Maya Johnson shared her own harrowing experience with a pulmonary embolism after giving birth. Despite her fame, she faced skepticism from hospital staff, who dismissed her concerns as confusion from pain medication. It took a long time for her to finally get the care she needed.
Sadly, this reality remains for many Black women, who often lack access to quality healthcare. But even high-profile cases like Maya’s raise questions about how much that access truly means. When it comes down to it, factors like fame and social status can’t overshadow the reality of being a Black woman in America. Thus, it’s no surprise that Wells chose a medical team she felt would prioritize her needs.
For women with low-risk pregnancies, alternatives to traditional hospital births are becoming increasingly attractive. Options like home births, birthing centers, and midwives are worth considering. Like Wells, some might even think about hiring a doula, who can provide support and advocacy during childbirth and postpartum.
“I want women to know there are choices when it comes to birthing,” Wells concluded. “There’s no single right way. I hope other women feel as empowered and valued as I did because we all deserve that.”
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In summary, Samantha Wells’ choice to have an all-Black care team for her second child highlights the ongoing disparities in maternal healthcare for Black women. Her story underscores the importance of representation in healthcare and the need for women to feel heard and supported throughout their pregnancy journey.
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