Ethnicity Scans and Black Bodied Maternal Health, with Mars Lord

In this episode, I'm am joined by the incredible Mars Lord, doula and activist dedicated to improving the birthing experiences of black and brown-bodied women. Ethnicity scans for women of colour Mars will shine a light on a pressing issue: ethnicity scans. We'll delve into the controversy surrounding ethnicity scans, their potential risks and benefits, and the systemic racism that underlies their implementation. We dive deep into the challenges faced by black and brown-bodied women within the healthcare system and explore ways to navigate these hurdles and ensure a fear-free childbirth. Here are some key questions that we explore during our conversation: How does systemic racism contribute to poor healthcare outcomes for black and brown-bodied people, specifically during the perinatal period? What are some specific examples of discrimination and mistreatment experienced by black and brown-bodied pregnant women within the healthcare system? How does chronic stress and anxiety, along with systemic issues, contribute to the high rates of maternal mortality among black and brown women? What are some potential solutions for improving the birthing experiences and healthcare outcomes for black and brown-bodied women? How can healthcare providers be better equipped to address the specific healthcare needs and concerns of black and brown-bodied women? What role does self-advocacy play in navigating the healthcare system as a black or brown-bodied pregnant woman? How can education and awareness surrounding ethnicity scans be increased to empower black and brown-bodied women to make informed decisions about their care? How can the healthcare system shift its focus from technology-centred care to women-centred and evidence-based care? What steps can be taken to ensure that the voices and experiences of black and brown-bodied women are listened to and heard within the healthcare system? In what ways can the healthcare system address and dismantle systemic racism in order to provide equitable and quality care for all women, regardless of their ethnicity? Resources mentioned during the episode Here are some of the resources and materials mentioned during this episode that you can use to address your fears and anxieties related to childbirth and pregnancy: Mama Ship Program: a valuable resource for pregnant individuals and new mothers. It is a membership program where you'll get access to exclusive podcast episodes and interviews, empowering birth stories, expert advice, a supportive community of like-minded individuals, and a wealth of knowledge and support to help you navigate your unique birth experience. This community that prioritises evidence-based care, advocates for women-centred birthing experiences, and provides a safe space to share concerns, questions, and support. Mary Cronk's Phrasebook: http://www.homebirth.org.uk/marycronkphrases.htm BRAIN. BRAIN is an acronym used to help pregnant women make informed decisions about their healthcare during pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. It stands for benefits, risks, alternatives, intuition, and nothing. Mars discussed a cheat sheet that women can use to help them better navigate difficult conversations during healthcare appointments should they be offered ethnicity scans, or indeed any other procedure. This cheat sheet is available for download in the Mama Ship. Episode Timestamps 00:00:23 Podcast discusses ethnicity scams and birth 00:06:33 Ethnicity scans offered to combat health disparities 00:11:19 Disparity in healthcare for black and brown women 00:14:34 Discrimination against black and brown bodies 00:21:18 Lack of evidence-based care affects women 00:23:00 Legal inquiry panel looks at black experiences 00:29:36 Neglecting women, favouring technology in healthcare 00:33:53 Ineffective communication creates lack of choice 00:35:14 Questioning medical procedures for better informed decisions