Pre/Post Natal Health Care of Minority Women Within the United States

Striking racial disparities in maternal care within the United States that have left no minority woman untouched, have persevered for decades despite the continuous advancements in medical care. Despite these medical advancements, there continues to be poor pre and postnatal care, low birth weights, higher fatality rates, and an ever-growing distrust of healthcare professionals among these communities. Furthermore, this grueling anxiety and stress that accompanies structural racism that exists within healthcare systems, causes maternal mental health disorders as well as cardiovascular diseases. Many of these women hold high positions within their family households and take the responsibility of caring for their children and possibly older relatives. Many of these women, along with their jobs at home, may work several jobs to ensure they can provide for their families. This poster provides a brief overview of racial disparities in terms of healthcare services provided to these pregnant minority women and the further health complications that can occur. The purpose is to bring further awareness to this heart wrenching matter which needs to be addressed to improve minority women health outcomes, and so future generations have a better relationship with their health and their healthcare provider. 

Gaby Rodriguez

Gaby was born and raised in Jacksonville, Illinois to a small family which includes her parents and one other sibling. Before coming to Saint Louis University, she wasn't sure what her future was going to look like but she quickly found her passion for Health Information Management. Gaby has worked many roles, her two most recent being at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in the Risk and Prevention department and volunteering through an internship at the VA-Jefferson Barracks location where he both created data and turned data into information. Though she is still unsure what her future will hold, she is certain that HIM will always guide her in the right path. 

Maria Duran Garcia

Maria grew up in Saint Louis and lives with her small family of three. Coming into Saint Louis University, she started as a Chemistry major but changed to Health Sciences sophomore year where she quickly learned her love for healthcare. Through her community service at her internship with MCU, Maria has made an impact on under represented local communities in the Metropolitan area. With this, she has been exposed to the inequalities that low income families experience which sparked her interest in attending law school fall of 2023.