Race-Based Medicine Is Racist

Abstract

Race is a social construct and cannot be used as a biological proxy, inherently making race-based medicine racist. Given the history of slavery in the United States, there are deep-rooted racist laws and policies that have impacted the health of families and children of color for centuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has come to acknowledge its racist past and promised a more equitable future for children and its organization. White physicians from the days of slavery created false myths regarding biological differences between races to strengthen their argument for keeping the institution of slavery — some of which are still in use today. It is vital to the health of future generations of this country that there be a shift to practicing race-conscious medicine and addressing the social determinants of health that are responsible for inequitable care. Pediatricians can play a significant role in ensuring health care equity for children now and in the future. [ Pediatr Ann . 2023;52(10):e365–e367.]