Date Presented

Spring 5-15-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Mathematics

First Advisor

Prof. Kristin Shargots

Second Advisor

Dr. Janice Sinoski

Third Advisor

Dr. Laura Kicklighter

Abstract

Given the massive maternal morbidity and mortality crisis experienced by Black women in the United States, this thesis aims to combat one crucial aspect of this problem. Among the top eleven most developed countries in the world, the United States markedly surpasses them all as the leader in maternal mortality despite its leading advancements in biomedical technology. More specifically, the maternal mortality crisis disproportionately affects Black women in America as this population is much more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than any other racial group in the United States. In response, researchers and organizations have published literature outlining their proposed solutions. Many of these solutions emphasize the importance of creating an education tool that will teach maternal medicine providers about the present-day impact of generational oppression, discrimination, and systemic racism that Black women are left grappling with at the expense of their own health. However, preliminary research has found that healthcare providers, regardless of specialty and level of education, are often not required to participate in training that aims to confront their own perceptions and biases that may, even if unintentionally, inform or persuade their patient care. Furthermore, this thesis will focus on creating an evidence based anti-racist introductory seminar outline that will begin the process of better informing maternal medicine healthcare providers in four key areas: the necessity of addressing implicit bias, centering the voices of Black women through their narratives of trauma, history of injustice in maternal medicine at the cost of Black female bodies, and understanding race as a social construct.

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