Article
Exploring dimensions of racial discrimination with obstetrical care in Germany
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Authors
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Lisa Keil-Reppmann
- Institute of Midwifery Science of the Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Germany
| Published: | February 7, 2024 |
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Outline
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Background: Racial discrimination can have a negative impact on the health of those discriminated against at various levels. There is evidence in the international literature that racism in the obstetric setting leads to worsened maternal and neonatal outcomes with respect to diverse parameters. In Germany, there are no systematic studies dealing with racial discrimination and racist attitudes among medical personnel.
Aim/research question: The study aims to provide a first insight into the problem of racial discrimination in midwifery care in Germany. The goal was to explore how and which racial stereotypes and racism were reproduced within midwifery care in Germany and to find out what racist structures midwives perceive in their working environment. Finally, first indications of how this affects midwives in their professional attitude and their care of women are elicited.
Methods: The study design followed a qualitative approach. Based on national and international literature reviews, a semi structured expert interview guide was constructed. Via purposive sampling, 5 midwives from different areas in Germany with different levels of clinical experience were recruited. Data was analysed using structured content analysis according to Gläser & Laudel. The extracted data and developed categories were then discussed and analysed based on the background.
Results: Racism in midwifery care was perceived by all interviewed midwives and connects to historical and current racist discourses. Anti-Black-Racism, anti-Muslim Racism, anti-Romanism, and anti-Asian racism were reported. Racism could be found at interactional, institutional, and structural levels. Racism affected midwifery care and resulted in qualitatively and quantitatively worse care for racialized groups.
Conclusions: Racism seems to be a problem in German midwifery care and needs to be addressed urgently. The results of this research highlight that racism might lead to inequality in midwifery care. Further research addressing this topic is urgently needed to address this inequality.
Ethics and conflicts of interest: This abstract was written in the context of a master’s thesis. A positive ethical endorsement has been issued by the Ethics Committee of the University of Bielefeld (Application No. 2021-163). The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.
The PDF file of the poster submitted for the meeting is available in German as Attachment 1 [Attach. 1].
