By Lynn Jones | Orlando, FL—The series of healthcare failures in Florida have made the Sunshine State a dangerous place for Black families. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Blacks were the primary victims, dying at an alarming rate. Despite making up only 13% of the population, the virus was killing them at three times the rate of everyone else. It was a horrifying reality. However, the blatant disregard for the disproportionate community impact revealed the institutional racism in the healthcare system. The crisis worsened as state health officials contradicted the advisories issued by the Federal Center for Disease Control. The misinformation caused confusion and more unnecessary deaths.
On the heels of the pandemic came the skyrocketing maternal mortality compounded by the six-week abortion ban, increasing the life-threatening outcomes for child-baring Black women. “The elimination of basic surgical procedures in the early stages of pregnancy can be deadly for a Black woman. Because of the abortion ban, doctors are not allowed to render necessary healthcare. More disturbing is that politics has replaced critical procedures. We’re in a dangerous place right now,” says Dr. Lauren Fernando.
In Florida, Black women face pregnancy-related emergencies resulting in death at three times the rate of White women. Pre-existing diseases and the lack of prenatal care result in premature and nonviable births. But Dr. Kelly Treder says, “There was a huge number of participants in our research study that talked about their fear of dying in childbirth and pregnancy — not necessarily because they knew someone who had, but because public knowledge regarding Black maternal mortality has increased.”
In addition, many clinicians repeat concerns that the ban led to violations of patient autonomy and the freedom to make decisions about their bodies, which constituted deviations from the standard of care and ethical treatment of patients.
Floridians will decide if the lifesaving options will be restored to women and their families. Constitutional Amendment 4 will be on the November 5 ballot and will reverse the abortion ban if sixty percent of voters approve the measure.
Dr. Kelly Treder
Physicians for Reproductive Health
Dr. Lauren Fernando
Dr. Lauren Fernando says the lack of healthcare access is deadly for Black women.
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