A Birth Story about Obstetric Racism
Scholar, educator, and poet LeConté Dill collaborated with two doulas -- anthropologist Dána-Ain Davis and illustrator Cheyenne Varner to share a birth story about obstetric racism.
When 40-year old LeConté found out that she had conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF), she set out to develop her birth plan. She wanted a vaginal birth and collected a team of people to support her. Despite her plan and support team, she faced obstetric racism during her labor. The medical team disrespected her and ignored her pain.
As this resource illustrates, obstetric racism is at the intersections of obstetric violence and medical racism. Anti-Black racism manifests throughout the pregnancy process, from preconception to postpartum care. Medical professionals assert their power and influence over pregnant patients, a dynamic that racism intensifies. Dimensions of obstetric violence include: diagnostic lapses; neglect, dismissiveness, or disrespect; intentionally causing harm; coercion; ceremonies of degradation; medical abuse; and racial reconnaissance.
Collaborating with LeConté along with birth worker and graphic designer, Cheyenne Varner, constitutes a kind of recovery of the pieces of Black women’s lives that are lost as a result of obstetric racism. Cheyenne, for her part, understands the importance of representing Black women’s images and stories. There is power in having our stories communicated in a variety of ways and the power of sharing their stories is fundamental. It is one thing to hold your story in your memory, but it another thing to hear it and still another to see it illustrated.
SOURCE: Anthropology News • AUTHOR: Dána-Ain Davis, Cheyenne Varner & LeConté J. Dill • LAST UPDATED: August 27, 2021
