Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Racism in healthcare is a deeply rooted issue that stretches back centuries. Its origins are interwoven with the history of slavery, medical experimentation, and systemic inequities. Understanding this historical context is crucial as we strive to address the ongoing disparities faced by marginalized communities. This article delves into the multifaceted dimensions of racism in gynecology, medical research, dermatology, and the broader context of healthcare. It aims to unveil the persistent inequities that continue to affect black and brown communities today.
The History of Racism in Medical Research: The Henrietta Lacks Story
One of the most notorious examples of racism in medical research is the case of Henrietta Lacks. Her cells, taken without her knowledge or consent in 1951, led to countless medical breakthroughs. This is due to their unique ability to reproduce indefinitely. Known as HeLa cells, they played a crucial role in developing vaccines, cancer treatments, and in vitro fertilization techniques. However, the exploitation of Lacks' body without recognition or compensation highlights a troubling pattern of dehumanization and exploitation in medical research.
The story of Henrietta Lacks is emblematic of a broader issue. where black bodies have been subjected to unethical experimentation and exploitation. This history of medical care and slavery has left a legacy of mistrust in the healthcare system among black communities. This further perpetuates disparities in health outcomes.
The Underrepresentation of Dark Skin Tones in Medical Texts
The field of dermatology has been fraught with racial inequities, particularly regarding the representation of darker skin tones in medical literature. A 2006 study found that images of dark skin in major dermatology resources ranged from a mere 4% to 18%. This underrepresentation hampers the ability of dermatologists to accurately diagnose and treat skin conditions in black and brown patients.
Efforts to explain this gap often cite the technical difficulties in capturing the nuances of cutaneous presentations in darker skin tones. However, texts with illustrative images of brown and black skin have existed for decades, suggesting that these difficulties are not insurmountable but rather indicative of deeper systemic biases.
The History of Racism in Gynecology: A Brutal Legacy
The origins of American gynecology are marred by horrific practices performed on enslaved black women without anesthesia. In "Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology," historian Deirdre Cooper Owens uncovers the brutal experiments conducted by J. Marion Sims, often hailed as the "father of modern gynecology." These procedures were justified under the racist ideology that black women were less sensitive to pain, a myth that continues to perpetuate biases in pain management today.
Enslaved women like Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy were subjects of repeat surgeries, often without their consent or any form of analgesia. All while Sims sought to perfect techniques that would benefit white women. This dark chapter in medical history underscores the deep-seated racism in gynecology, a legacy that reverberates in the present-day disparities in reproductive health outcomes for women of color.
The Myths and Realities of Pain Tolerance
The false belief that black people have a higher pain tolerance than other races is not just a relic of the past; it persists in contemporary medical practice. Research indicates that healthcare providers are more likely to underestimate the pain of black patients compared to their white counterparts, leading to inadequate pain management. This phenomenon can be traced back to a propaganda campaign aimed at dehumanizing black individuals and justifying their mistreatment.
A study published by the Association of American Medical Colleges highlights how these misconceptions contribute to the failure to address pain adequately in black patients. The propaganda surrounding pain perception fosters an environment where Black patients are often disbelieved or dismissed, perpetuating both physical and psychological harm. These biases stem from historical stereotypes linking Blackness with endurance and toughness, perpetuating a harmful narrative that can lead to neglect in clinical settings.
Addressing Medicalized Dehumanization
The concept of medicalized dehumanization refers to the ways in which healthcare systems can strip individuals of their humanity, reducing them to mere subjects of clinical interest. This dehumanization disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including black and brown patients, who often face stereotyping, neglect, and inadequate care.
An article in the Journal of Ethics explores the ethical implications of medicalized dehumanization and calls for greater awareness and corrective measures. It is imperative that healthcare professionals recognize and confront the biases that contribute to dehumanization, ensuring that all patients receive compassionate and equitable care.
Moving Toward Equity in Healthcare
Addressing racism in healthcare requires a multi-faceted approach aimed at dismantling the systems that propagate inequality. A real effort must be made to increase the representation of diverse populations in medical research and education, ensuring that all skin tones and races are adequately represented across all medical resources. By prioritizing inclusive practices, healthcare providers can better understand and treat the unique needs of their patients.
Moreover, fostering dialogue around the historical contexts of medical practices will help healthcare professionals build more trusting relationships with marginalized communities. Acknowledging past wrongs is the first step in healing these deep-seated wounds. Medical institutions must also implement comprehensive training on implicit biases and cultural competency, ensuring that healthcare providers recognize and address their biases when caring for patients.
The history of racism in healthcare is complex and fraught with painful legacies that continue to affect marginalized communities today. As we move forward, it is imperative that we confront these issues head-on, working collectively to create an equitable healthcare system that honors the dignity and humanity of every individual. Only by acknowledging and addressing these historical injustices can we hope to achieve true equity in healthcare for all.
Resources
Black Americans are systematically under-treated for pain. why?. Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy | University of Virginia. (n.d.). https://batten.virginia.edu/about/news/black-americans-are-systematically-under-treated-pain-why
Byrd, W. M., & Clayton, L. A. (2001, March). Race, medicine, and health care in the United States: A historical survey. Journal of the National Medical Association. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2593958/#:~:text=Racism%20in%20medicine%2C%20a%20problem,the%20way%20they%20receive%20healthcare.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks/immortal-life-of-henrietta-lacks#:~:text=Henrietta%20Lacks%20was%20one%20of,line%20able%20to%20reproduce%20indefinitely.
Kaundinya, T., & Kundu, R. V. (2021, June 11). Diversity of skin images in medical texts: Recommendations for student advocacy in medical education. Journal of medical education and curricular development. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8202324/
Manke, K. (2020, March 4). Historian uncovers gynecology’s brutal roots in slavery. Berkeley News. https://news.berkeley.edu/2020/02/17/historian-uncovers-gynecologys-brutal-roots-in-slavery/
Racism in medicine’s inauspicious moments – a brief timeline. The University of Arizona Health Sciences. (2022, February 1). https://healthsciences.arizona.edu/connect/racism-medicines-inauspicious-moments-brief-timeline
Sabin, J. A., By, Sabin, J. A., & 6, Jan. (2020, January 6). How we fail black patients in pain. AAMC. https://www.aamc.org/news/how-we-fail-black-patients-pain
Stern, A. M. (2021, January 1). Cautions about medicalized dehumanization. Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association. https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/cautions-about-medicalized-dehumanization/2021-01
