“Stop Blaming The Women!” One Doctor’s Thoughts on Black Women & Induced Labor

According to The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, induction rates have more than tripled in the last three decades and the actual figure might be even higher. While there are valid reasons to induce labor – including being far overdue, a health issue with the mother or baby, and loss of amniotic fluid – some health experts worry that induction is becoming more common than necessary. The main concern is that labor might be induced to streamline and accelerate the birthing process. Additionally, this practice may affect Black women more because doctors have a documented history of not listening to these women’s concerns. Given that Black Americans have a higher rate of diabetes and being overweight, it may be easier for health professionals to use this as a reason to induce labor without letting nature take its course.  One midwife urges these professionals to stop blaming women when deciding to induce labor. Here’s what Jennie Joseph had to say!