Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks

Statistically, African American women in the United States suffer from complications or death 243 percent more than white women during maternity. This is a common occurrence that many women and children face, but shouldn’t have too. Rebecca Skloots book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, is an example of the inequality shown to African-American women in the medical world. Specifically, the unequal medical care Henrietta Lacks received, which many other black women experienced. In her book, Skloot suggests that African-American women suffer from psychological effects after receiving unequal medical care, do not receive equal medical treatment during maternity, and are more likely to die from maternal complications. Researchers agree, stating that these are common occurrences in the medical industry.

Renée Montagne, a radio journalist, and Ann M. Simmons, a global development writer, briefly touch on this in their research, suggesting that the families left behind struggle emotionally to move on and want answers for what happened. Simmons briefly wrote about how early unequal treatment can begin saying, “African American women also say that healthcare professionals are often dismissive of their concerns if they are poor, have health problems or already have several children” (Simmons). Consequently, this form of treatment can lead to patients and family questioning health care professionals. Additionally, Renée Montagne pointed out the prejudice many medical professionals possess stating, “But now many social scientists and medical researchers agree, the problem isn't race but racism.” (Montagne). Under these circumstances, it is easy to see the psychological effects of receiving unequal medical