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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Co-producing more inclusive care: Experiences of racism from Swedish maternal care
1
Dalarna University, Department of Midwifery, Falun, Sweden
2
Uppsala university, National Centre for Knowledge on Men's Violence Against Women, Uppsala, Sweden
3
King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Lodon, United Kingdom
4
King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, United Kingdom
5
Dalarna University, School of Health and Welfare, Falun, United Kingdom
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A209
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The Lancet and Nature’s series on racism in healthcare push the need to recognise racism as a structural social determinant of health. In maternal care, racialised minoritised women (RMW) experience significantly worse health outcomes, including an increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and higher maternal and perinatal mortality. Factors contributing to these inequalities are complex, ranging from maternal factors (such as health status, educational level, health literacy) to socioeconomic factors. However, research show that racial inequalities persist even when such factors are controlled for, indicating that inequalities are also a result of suboptimal care. More research on how racism within maternal care contributes to these inequalities is needed.
OBJECTIVES:
To uncover racialisation in maternal care and contribute to antiracist and inclusive maternal care through methods of co-production and mutual learning.
METHODS:
The study is carried out in Sweden and the United Kingdom during 2024-2026. We use qualitative methods to observe processes of racialisation; 1) a web survey with open-ended questions, 2) qualitative interviews with RMW and health care providers (HCPs), and 3) observations in maternal care. The study is co-produced with RMW, HCPs and civil society actors.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings reveal experiences of racially motivated maltreatment, including withholding of support, pain relief, and information, as well as obstetric coercion and violence exercised by HCPs. Power hierarchies within maternal care hinder individuals (women, partners, and bystanding HCPs) from making resistance in relation to such events.
CONCLUSIONS:
Midwives have a crucial role in preventing discrimination against RMW in maternal care.
KEY MESSAGE:
This study highlights the voices of RMW, often rendered invisible regarding their experiences in maternal care, as well as the voices of HCPs. By developing antiracist tools through co-production and mutual learning with women and providers, the project can contribute to policy changes in maternal care in Sweden, the UK and beyond, to improve maternal care. Marginalized - racism
The Lancet and Nature’s series on racism in healthcare push the need to recognise racism as a structural social determinant of health. In maternal care, racialised minoritised women (RMW) experience significantly worse health outcomes, including an increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and higher maternal and perinatal mortality. Factors contributing to these inequalities are complex, ranging from maternal factors (such as health status, educational level, health literacy) to socioeconomic factors. However, research show that racial inequalities persist even when such factors are controlled for, indicating that inequalities are also a result of suboptimal care. More research on how racism within maternal care contributes to these inequalities is needed.
OBJECTIVES:
To uncover racialisation in maternal care and contribute to antiracist and inclusive maternal care through methods of co-production and mutual learning.
METHODS:
The study is carried out in Sweden and the United Kingdom during 2024-2026. We use qualitative methods to observe processes of racialisation; 1) a web survey with open-ended questions, 2) qualitative interviews with RMW and health care providers (HCPs), and 3) observations in maternal care. The study is co-produced with RMW, HCPs and civil society actors.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings reveal experiences of racially motivated maltreatment, including withholding of support, pain relief, and information, as well as obstetric coercion and violence exercised by HCPs. Power hierarchies within maternal care hinder individuals (women, partners, and bystanding HCPs) from making resistance in relation to such events.
CONCLUSIONS:
Midwives have a crucial role in preventing discrimination against RMW in maternal care.
KEY MESSAGE:
This study highlights the voices of RMW, often rendered invisible regarding their experiences in maternal care, as well as the voices of HCPs. By developing antiracist tools through co-production and mutual learning with women and providers, the project can contribute to policy changes in maternal care in Sweden, the UK and beyond, to improve maternal care. Marginalized - racism
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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