Nearly half of Black women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in Canada avoid healthcare due to fear of racial discrimination. A survey by The Black Women’s Institute for Health, involving nearly 2,000 participants, highlights widespread anti-Black racism in the healthcare system.
Kearie Daniel, executive director, emphasizes that while dismissal occurs in healthcare generally, Black women face additional layers of discrimination. Two-thirds of respondents feel dismissed by healthcare providers. Assumptions about pain tolerance and parenting abilities are common, leading to delays in treatment and severe mental health impacts.
The report identifies six critical areas of healthcare disparities: medical conditions, maternal health, mental health challenges, exposure to racial violence, burnout, and early experiences with racism. Mental health is the top chronic illness, with 27.4% of Black women contemplating self-harm, more than six times the national average.
Aaya Musuya shares her struggles, noting cultural disparities and systemic barriers in accessing care. She advises her daughters on advocating for themselves, as seeking healthcare often feels complex and disheartening.
The report recommends declaring anti-Black racism a public health emergency and implementing a national Black health equity strategy. Fixing these systemic issues would benefit the entire healthcare system.