Spotlight on equitable bereavement care
- Tipswalo Day
- Oct 11
- 2 min read
It is well known that there are higher rates of infant mortality and pregnancy complications that disproportionately affect ethnic minority families. This issue is a significant public health concern and is influenced by various social, economic, and healthcare factors.
Contributing Factors
Healthcare Access: Barriers to quality healthcare services can lead to inadequate antenatal care.
Socioeconomic Status: Economic disparities often correlate with higher rates of stress and limited resources for expectant families.
Racism and Discrimination: Systemic racism can affect the quality of care received by women, leading to adverse outcomes.
Chronic Health Conditions: Higher prevalence of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes can increase risks during pregnancy.
Support and Resources
It is crucial for families experiencing baby loss to have access to support and resources. Often families and healthcare professionals are unaware of the services available due to widespread variations in:
Support Groups: These are useful for connecting with others who have experienced similar loss can provide emotional support.
Counselling Services: Professional counselling can help families process grief and loss.
Community Organisations: Many organisations focus on maternal and infant health, providing resources and advocacy.
Advocacy and Awareness
Raising awareness about the disparities in baby loss rates is essential for driving change. Advocacy can focus on:
Policy Changes: Supporting policies that improve healthcare access and quality
Education: Increasing awareness about the risks and resources available for expectant mothers.
Research: Encouraging research into the causes of disparities in baby loss and effective interventions.
Conclusion
Addressing disparities in baby loss requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving healthcare access, supporting affected families, and advocating for systemic change. Understanding the factors at play and providing resources can help mitigate this critical issue. The Equitable Bereavement Care Conference is an excellent step towards supporting this understanding and committing to change
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