More than 15,000 pregnant women tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began and nearly 40 have died, according to the CDC. And due to structural racism and disparities in our health care system, Black and Hispanic pregnant women are disproportionately affected.
“The pandemic has absolutely impacted the progress women have made and continue to strive for in every aspect of our society, magnifying all existing inequalities and structural issues in our nation,” says Nunes. “The most apparent implication for the future is the way we as a country view health care, paid sick leave and paid family leave.”
“When health professionals in the U.S. speak truth to power, especially those who are women, women of color or LGBTQIA+, they aren’t given the respect they deserve.”