Care Quote by Leana S. Wen
“It is imperative that we address the barriers to access and the systemic racism that we know is contributing to our astronomically high maternal mortality rates. The onus must be on the health care system to make necessary changes.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public health conference, 2023
The health system must eliminate structural barriers and racism that drive extreme maternal mortality.
In simple terms: Health system must fix racism and barriers causing high maternal deaths.
Key Takeaway
Demand systemic reform now.
Themes
health equity
racial justice
maternal health
systemic barriers
Mood
urgent
determined
empathetic
Type
advocacy
policy
When to use this quote
- hospital administration
- public health policy
- community advocacy
- clinical practice
Key Concepts
structural racism
policy change
healthcare reform
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions be held accountable?
- What policies most effectively reduce disparities?
A Different Perspective
Change is slow and faces political resistance.
![“As indicated by the increase in maternal mortality in 2010, right now it's more dangerous to give birth in California than in Kuwait or Bosnia. Amnesty International reports that women in [the United States] have a higher risk of dying due to pregnancy complications than women in forty-nine other…” quote by Jessica Valenti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5c/jessica-valenti-1960_amnesty_as-indicated-by-the-increase-in-maternal_3086967.jpg)
