“Just Trust Me”: Examining the Absence of Trust Between African-American Women and Healthcare Professionals
By: Timilehin Asebiomo
The relationship between African-American women and the healthcare system in the United States is deeply strained, a tension rooted in historical traumas and ongoing systemic racism. This pervasive mistrust is not an isolated phenomenon but rather a reflection of centuries of exploitation and neglect, with severe consequences for the health outcome of Black women today.
At the heart of this issue lies institutionalized racism, which has long been woven into the fabric of American society. Black women face economic disparities, earning significantly less than their counterparts and enduring higher rates of unemployment and poverty. This economic marginalization is compounded by a history of mistreatment in the medical field, dating back to the era of slavery when enslaved women were subjected to unethical medical experiments. These atrocities laid the groundwork for modern gynecology, yet they also established a legacy of mistrust that continues to influence the experiences of Black women in healthcare settings today.
The research underscores the dire impact of this mistrust. Black women in the US experience higher mortality rates and shorter life expectancies than other demographic groups. This alarming reality is particularly evident in maternal health, where Black mothers are more likely to report being treated unfairly due to their race or ethnicity. The story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were used for research without her consent, is a poignant example of how Black women have been exploited by the medical system. HeLa cells have been used in over 75,000 scientific studies and are estimated to have contributed to 11,000 patents. These cells have been instrumental in countless medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine, which has saved millions of lives, and advancements in cancer research. Her legacy, embodied in the HeLa cells, serves as a reminder of the need for ethical and equitable treatment in healthcare.
To address this mistrust, a multifaceted approach is essential. Culturally competent care, which involves training healthcare professionals to understand and respect the unique needs of Black women, is crucial. Additionally, increasing diverse representation within the medical field can help bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients. Patient-centered care models, which prioritize the voices and experiences of patients, along with community engagement initiatives, are also vital in building trust.
Ultimately, mending the fractured relationship between African-American women and the healthcare system requires systemic change. This involves not only addressing the immediate issues of racial bias and stereotypes but also transforming the institutions that perpetuate these injustices. By fostering a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment, society can begin to heal the deep wounds of mistrust and move towards a future where all women receive the care and respect they deserve.
Timilehin is a third-year Physiological Sciences undergraduate student at UCLA. Timilehin is a 2024–2025 THINQ Summer Intern.
Sources:
Chinn JJ, Martin IK, Redmond N. Health Equity Among Black Women in the United States. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2021 Feb;30(2):212–219. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8868. Epub 2020 Nov 25. PMID: 33237831; PMCID: PMC8020496.
