The Importance of Inclusive Gynecologic and Obstetric Care for African American Women
As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to honor not only the historical contributions of African American women, but also to address the ongoing challenges they face within our health care system—particularly in gynecologic and obstetric care. At Cary OB/GYN, we believe that inclusive, culturally informed care is essential to improving health outcomes and dismantling the barriers that have long contributed to disparities in women’s health.
Achieving equitable care for African American women is not just a medical imperative, it is a matter of justice. Evidence shows that African American women experience markedly poorer outcomes in reproductive health, maternal care, and chronic disease management. Understanding why these disparities exist—and what can be done to address them—supports our commitment to comprehensive, compassionate care for all patients.
“Dr. Maydew always asks pertinent questions to verify how I'm doing, and listens to my concerns and either acts on them or explains why it is ok.”
Cary OB/GYN Patient Review
Persistent Health Disparities in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Statistical data reveal striking differences in outcomes:
- African American women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. This disparity in maternal mortality remains one of the most severe across all demographic health measures in the United States.
- Black women also experience higher rates of preterm birth, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and gestational complications—often independent of socioeconomic status or insurance coverage.
- Chronic health conditions that intersect with reproductive health, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease, are more prevalent in African American communities and can worsen outcomes during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
These disparities are not merely statistical; they reflect real, lived differences in access to care, quality of clinical encounters, and overall health experiences.
Why Inclusive Care Matters
Inclusive gynecologic and obstetric care means culturally competent, respectful, evidence-based care that centers the individual experiences of patients. For African American women, inclusive care tackles several critical issues:
1. Identifying and Addressing Implicit Bias
Medical research increasingly acknowledges that implicit bias and structural racism influence patient care. These biases can affect diagnosis, treatment decisions, pain management, and interpersonal communication. For example, historical misconceptions about biological differences have, at times, shaped clinical judgment in ways that disadvantage Black patients. Clinicians trained to recognize and mitigate bias are better positioned to serve African American women effectively and equitably.
- Creating Trust Through Communication
Trust is foundational to effective medical care. Yet many African American women report experiences of dismissal, miscommunication, or unequal treatment in clinical settings. Inclusive care practices emphasize listening to patients, validating their concerns, and partnering with them in shared decision-making. When patients feel heard and respected, they are more likely to engage proactively in their health care.
3. Prioritizing Cultural Humility
Cultural humility extends beyond awareness of differences; it requires ongoing self-reflection and learning by health care providers. Understanding the historical context of medical distrust—rooted in centuries of exploitation and discrimination in medical research and practice—helps clinicians provide care that acknowledges past harms and works toward rebuilding confidence in the system. ACOG supports lifelong education for clinicians on the role of bias, structural racism, and culturally informed care as part of improving patient outcomes.
4. Responding to Social Determinants of Health
Health outcomes are shaped not only by clinical care but also by a range of social determinants—such as economic stability, housing, education, and access to nutritious food. Inclusive care models recognize these factors and connect patients with comprehensive resources and support systems that address needs beyond the exam room.
Action Steps for Patients and Providers
Meaningful improvement in reproductive health equity requires action on multiple fronts:
For Health Care Providers:
- Commit to ongoing education on racial and gender disparities in women’s health.
- Use data responsibly to understand and address disparities in care quality and outcomes.
- Engage with community partners and patient advocates to design services that meet real patient needs.
- Recruit and support diverse clinicians to strengthen cultural concordance and broaden representation in women’s health care. This can improve patient comfort and trust.
For Patients:
- Advocate for your care by asking questions, requesting clear explanations, and sharing your health history openly with your provider.
- Seek support networks and community resources that can complement clinical care with education and emotional backing.
- Understand your rights as a patient, including the right to respectful, unbiased care.
The Role of Cary OB/GYN
At Cary OB/GYN, inclusive care is part of our mission. We strive to create a clinical environment where every patient—especially those from historically marginalized communities—feels respected, understood, and supported. Our providers engage in evidence-based practices and ongoing cultural competence training to ensure that care delivery aligns with the needs and preferences of diverse patients.
We honor Black History Month by reaffirming our commitment to equity in gynecologic and obstetric care. This commitment includes:
- Ensuring that clinical protocols recognize and respond to documented disparities in maternal health outcomes.
- Supporting inclusive patient communication and shared decision-making.
- Promoting education, advocacy, and outreach within the community.
“Dr. Bonpain is the best. She is an excellent doctor, empathetic, kind and a great listener. As a patient, I feel seen.”
Cary OB/GYN Patient Review
A Call to Action
Black History Month is a time to celebrate achievement and confront ongoing challenges. In women’s health care, that includes recognizing that inclusive gynecologic and obstetric care is not optional—it is essential to improving outcomes for African American women and closing the gap in health disparities.
Health care systems, clinicians, and patients must work together to build trust, address bias, and ensure that every woman receives the dignified, comprehensive care she deserves. At Cary OB/GYN, we are honored to be part of that effort and to stand with African American women in pursuit of health equity—today and always.
