Uncovering racism in maternal care: Building inclusive and antiracist care through methods of co-production and mutual learning

This project aims to contribute to antiracist and inclusive maternal care by uncovering racialisation in maternal care through methods of co-production and mutual learning.Racial inequalities in healthcare are documented across settings in the Global North.

In maternal care, racialised minoritised women experience worse health outcomes, such as increased risk for stillbirth, preterm birth, and higher maternal and perinatal mortality. Research has shown that these inequalities are connected to suboptimal care.

Although research on racism in healthcare points to healthcare providers’ racial bias and its association with adverse diagnosis and treatment choices, research on racial inequalities in maternal care has focused on documenting inequalities rather than examining how racism contributes to these inequalities.

Departing from an intersectional understanding of racism, we will use an ethnographic methodology in Sweden and the United Kingdom to observe interactions between racialised minoritised women and healthcare providers to uncover racialisation.

Ethnographic observations will be combined with interviews with women and providers to examine differential experiences and views on racism.

Through methods of co-production and mutual learning, we will convene discussion groups with racialised minoritised women and providers to solicit discussions on racism and design antiracist tools and interventions.