[SOSC 2010 : Cultural Safety in Midwifery Care]

SOSC 2010 Culturally Safe Care 2 cr.

Term taken: winter 2023

Instructor: Arden Kindred

PREREQUISITE: Completion of all Phase One classes or currently a CPM/RM. Building off a foundation of equity, anti-oppression, and culturally safe care from SOSC 1010, students will further explore difference, power, and privilege as it relates specifically to midwifery care provided in the childbearing year. Students will strengthen the skills necessary to provide non-discriminatory, equitable, and safe care to all clients. This course will do a deep dive into the impact to clients in the clinical setting associated with racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism, ageism, and discrimination associated with relationship status and immigration status. The course will explore systems of impact in midwifery and how to engage within those systems to facilitate change that increases safety. Throughout the course, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ midwives who are doing the work of serving clients on the ground, and the organizations serving these midwives will be highlighted to demonstrate the effectiveness of evidence-based culturally concordant care. Learning Objectives:
1. Have the foundational tools and skills necessary to enact culturally safe, respectful, client-centered care to all clients.
2. Critically evaluate systemic oppression and inequities within midwifery politics and policies.
3. Critically evaluate systemic oppression and inequities in perinatal care.
4. Analyze disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates for marginalized populations.
5. Summarize factors associated with marginalization and oppression that lead to disparities in healthcare.
6. Summarize the impact of intersecting cultural identities on the individual.
7. Recognize internal biases that may pose a risk to clients.
8. Recognize microaggressions and develop strategies for addressing them.
9. Demonstrate a commitment to self-evaluation.
10. Demonstrate a commitment to listening to the client 

In the time since I wrote this paper an out white nationalist was elected to city council in Enid, Oklahoma.
https://kfor.com/news/local/commissioner-accused-of-having-white-nationalist-ties-sworn-into-enid-city-commission/ 

https://www.enidnews.com/news/local_news/city-officials-sworn-protest-held-opposing-new-commissioner/article_4c2f6f6c-e899-11ed-8a7e-430dbd2228a1.html 

Left: Hefton, B. (2023, May 1). Members of Enid social justice committee protest the swearing-in of Judd Blevins to the Enid City Commission. Enid News and Eagle.

Right: Hefton, B. (2023, May 1). John Gray, chairman of Enid social justice committee, addresses protesters at the swearing-in of Judd Blevins to the Enid City Commission. Enid News and Eagle.

Another historic removal of bodily autonomy and human rights was signed into law in Oklahoma by Governor Stitt on May 1st, 2023 making all gender-affirming care illegal for anyone under the age of 18. Oklahoma is the 17th state to enact similar legislation. 

https://journalrecord.com/2023/05/02/stitt-signs-gender-affirming-care-ban-for-kids/#:~:text=The%20bill%20Stitt%20signed%20on,say%20such%20care%20is%20essential.