---
title: A Birth Story about Obstetric Racism
date: 2024-11-22T18:36:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-birth-story-about-obstetric-racism"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# 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.

[Read the full article ](https://www.anthropology-news.org/articles/a-birth-story/)

SOURCE: Anthropology News • AUTHOR: Dána-Ain Davis, Cheyenne Varner & LeConté J. Dill • LAST UPDATED: August 27, 2021

![Five Black pregnant women are standing holding their bellies. The first one, who has her lock in a bun on the top of her head is wearing a hospital gown. The second woman who has a short haircut, is wearing a gray dress. The third woman, who has a short haircut is wearing a light pink tee shirt and gray pants. The fourth woman is facing left. She has on a green headwrap, a teal tee shirt and black shorts. Her shirt is hiked up and her stomach is visible. The fifth woman is facing front. She has a curly short haircut and wearing an orange tee shirt that is raised above her belly, and gray pants. Around her belly are two monitors.](data:image/png;base64,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) Illustration by Cheyenne Varner

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ birth justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-justice)
- [ diverse experiences of pregnancy & labor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-experiences-of-pregnancy-labor)
- [racism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/racism)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [birth justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth-justice)

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A TED talk from doula, reporter, and activist Miriam Zoila Pérez about how racism affects pregnant people’s health and the health of their babies.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ted-talk-how-racism-harms-pregnant-women-and-what-can-help-by-miriam-zoila-perez)

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This blog post, from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, celebrates the unsung work of African American birth workers, including doulas and midwives.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-historical-significance-of-black-doulas-and-midwives)

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## Finding a Black Midwife or Doula

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A database of Black midwives, doulas, and lactation support consultants developed for people seeking Black birth care providers.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/finding-a-black-midwife-or-doula)

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## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAACRUlEQVRIiY1WSZIkIQyTCM7Tp/7/T9EcAFsGpmoyMrJpFknecPH3zw8AXm+7ZiD4o/2d77CxoBh3vB7+z6yem2LrWn4Q0AYpv+ILIKEvNMD0BO1sYH14C9meuowmQJoFBDA1fQM9odYZPW1hd8mT84PwB3T4+x8uKzG4s6i5BbTTgva8NgcJiQdHf6InB9HWKkMsAe24SXNSiaLgvSxwmkaeFphYHGY5KDMsSWBhJIHG4iVfivo6hFNQsCdHcRFvRzWAIF85CICaSaHlGBMef/ud02SMyaNMivyi1GJbONo7eyv6/jcEWOpuci0XzCsoa6a98IEiOqwqAU94ZmDMSs6ZhmuNAUdE6eXorDrKx7Y0OZqu4vt2fQGADtWELMEMkx2P2SMXFwTqHnBdP/dBH58WuJDyVUG5t90vouE8FzTvR57qhq0+casz1G8JA5pxHkCDRhSwlutrm5Q1S1UCAXgQaB0jgSFwpQZhqscD/USYJiTBOO+JxcEMcNE+zF1DGEV+dp+uPMnYzQWpti8czyInGEjoYehJMIUPABDjylMizrsMwqyjyqGx5C/0IR3Z1T1JhmWNRPGoXGXmEAOQiq/cSyuxha5dUMcjaHarfZuy5ILSJ+mlkrgrzGnBKOjZv/ZdoyMM1e/+y07hooyBgLY5wqZh/iH2UZ4cte52hHch9OimY98uqb200ogDVz5ciW/ez6dHgkCJqxc6U1ZWNbb84KsE6ip8GYCAjpSlbTCi93eTWtN3nnAUojNdndmPHAP/FfkX2vzAGfoFHPQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.

![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.

![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles)

[ResourcesRead

## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.

![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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)

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth)