Racial Inequality
The reasons why infant mortality rates among African Americans remain much higher than those among white Americans are caused by racial inequality that still exists in the country and affects health outcomes. In particular, the scientists in the documentary hypothesized that the unequal treatment that African Americans experience in society throughout life leads to negative outcomes for pregnant black women and African American infants (Strain, 2008). Discrimination affects pregnant black women, which, in turn, leads them to have more issues during gestation and delivery.
Socioeconomic Status
It was previously thought that the high infant mortality rate was related to the socioeconomic status, which was significantly lower among African Americans than that of the white population. However, it was demonstrated that even when this indicator was improved, the mortality rate among infants remained the same, which made it evident that discrimination was a much more critical problem than socioeconomic status (Strain, 2008). Racism, it was argued, affected one’s health during their life, and as black women’s health was affected, so was their pregnancy and children.
Stress
One of the main ways in which racism influences African Americans’ health is through stress. Being a part of a minority, particularly belonging to the African American group of the population, is associated with chronic stress (Strain, 2008). A recommendation that all women receive from their doctors during pregnancy is to avoid any stress factors, as it is known to pose a threat to the pregnant woman and their baby.
However, when society is permeated with racism, it is much harder to avoid stress. Thus, the levels of stress hormones in a pregnant woman’s body are constantly high, which can provoke premature labor at one point (Strain, 2008). Premature birth is one of the main reasons for infant death, which indicates that racism-related stress is one of the most important causes of the high infant mortality levels in Black Americans.
Reference
Strain, T. H. (2008). When the bow breaks [Film]. California Newsreel.