A startling new study has uncovered a disturbing trend in New Jersey’s healthcare system—Black mothers are disproportionately receiving unnecessary cesarean sections (C-sections), which increases their risk for severe complications.
The finding is the conclusion of a new report on nearly one million births in 68 hospitals in New Jersey, one of the largest studies to date on the subject.
Even when Black and white patients had the same doctor and similar medical histories, Black women were 20% more likely than white women to undergo a C-section.
“Black women … are being treated differently based on factors like race,” said Adriana Corridor Waldron, research professor at NC State University.
Waldron continued, “So this is not explained by medical risk factors, it’s not explained by socioeconomic or things related with the socioeconomic status, but based on their race.”
Adriana Corridor Waldron is one of the lead researchers on the new report, which examined nearly 1 million births in 68 hospitals in New Jersey.
Unveiling the Study’s Discovery
Researchers examined data from nearly one million births in New Jersey hospitals and discovered that Black mothers were more likely to have C-sections, even when there were no obvious medical reasons for doing so. The disparity in C-section rates persisted even after controlling for medical risk, sociodemographic characteristics, and hospital and medical practice grouping. Even when Black mothers and white mothers with similar medical histories visited the same doctor at the same hospital, the Black woman was 20% more likely to have her baby by C-section.
Further investigation revealed that the disparity nearly vanished when the costs of performing an unscheduled C-section were higher, such as when an operating room was already in use. This suggests that when doctors are under pressure to manage resources more carefully, they may be less likely to recommend C-sections for Black mothers, implying that financial incentives and provider discretion are important factors.
According to research, unnecessary C-sections can result in infections, heavy bleeding, longer recovery times, delays in establishing breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, and an increased risk of complications in subsequent pregnancies. This is particularly concerning for Black mothers, who already face increased risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
So, if the medical risks associated with C-sections are higher. Why do doctors recommend them more frequently for Black mothers?
Researchers and experts believe it could be due to a combination of racial bias and financial incentives (C-sections are frequently more profitable for hospitals). Black mothers may also be uncomfortable advocating for their own needs, and studies have shown that when they do, they are less likely to be heard and their concerns addressed.
In the meantime, advocacy groups and health professionals are encouraging Black women to be vocal about their healthcare needs, seek second opinions when necessary, stay informed about their rights during childbirth, and have a clear birth plan with multiple options depending on changes.
