A new documentary film, ‘On the Bodies of Black Women’, sheds light on the alarming rate of unnecessary cesarean section deliveries performed on Black mothers in Mississippi. Directed by public health expert Getty Israel, the film critically examines the U.S. healthcare system’s profitable practice of conducting these major surgical procedures when they may not be medically necessary.
The documentary focuses on the challenges faced by Black mothers in Mississippi as they attempt to avoid primary cesarean section deliveries. This issue is particularly relevant in Mississippi, which has the highest rate of C-sections in the nation at 39%, compared to the national average of 32%.
While cesarean sections can be life-saving when medically indicated, they also carry significant risks. The film highlights that the risk of maternal death is 8-10 times higher with C-sections compared to vaginal births. Additionally, C-sections can lead to numerous complications for both mother and infant, including future miscarriages, placenta abruption, uterine rupture, and various health issues for the child such as obesity, asthma, and developmental disorders.
The financial implications of this practice are substantial. In 2022, Mississippi’s healthcare system reportedly earned over an estimated $224 million from cesarean section deliveries. This profit motive raises questions about the ethical considerations in maternal healthcare delivery.
Getty Israel, CEO of Sisters in Birth, Inc., emphasizes that the documentary aims to bring attention to this normalized healthcare crisis, which not only drives up medical costs but also contributes to increased maternal and infant morbidities and mortalities. The film serves as a call to action, advocating for the expansion of the U.S. healthcare system to include more freestanding birth centers.
The documentary argues for increased access to midwifery care, which is presented as an evidence-based and feasible model that predates modern medicine. This approach aligns with the historical practice prior to the 1950s when midwives were the leading obstetrical providers for Black mothers.
Sisters in Birth, Inc., a nonprofit charitable clinic and community health practice in Jackson, MS, has demonstrated success in reducing maternal morbidities and mortalities through an integrative healthcare approach combining midwifery care and birth workers. The organization is spearheading efforts to build freestanding birth centers in Mississippi to increase access to midwives.
This documentary comes at a critical time when maternal health disparities are gaining national attention. By exposing the high rates of unnecessary C-sections among Black women in Mississippi, ‘On the Bodies of Black Women’ contributes to the ongoing dialogue about racial disparities in healthcare and the need for systemic changes in maternal care delivery.
As the film makes its debut, it is expected to spark discussions among healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public about the importance of evidence-based maternal care and the potential benefits of expanding access to midwifery services, particularly for Black mothers who face disproportionate risks in childbirth.
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