The Future of Disparities Research in Obstetric Anesthesia

Abstract

(Can J Anaesth. 2023;70(6):936–941) In recent years, the stark racial disparities in maternal mortality have captured headlines, causing deep concern, particularly within minority communities. Black patients face a significantly higher risk of peripartum death compared with their White counterparts. As a Black female obstetric anesthesiologist practicing at a prominent academic center, the author has engaged in numerous conversations with Black patients who are fearful of these troubling statistics. The study conducted by Lee and colleagues, focusing on racial and ethnic disparities in obstetric anesthesia, is a significant step toward empowering clinicians with the knowledge needed to address this issue.