Discrimination and biases within the healthcare system, both explicit and implicit, play a detrimental role in the quality of maternity care received by women of color. Deep-rooted stereotypes and prejudices can lead healthcare providers to make assumptions about patients based on their race or ethnicity, affecting the way they are treated. Implicit biases, deeply ingrained in the minds of healthcare professionals, can impact decision-making, resulting in delayed or inadequate care, leading to adverse consequences for the expectant mother and her baby.

For women of color, these biases can be particularly pervasive. Studies have highlighted instances where healthcare providers underestimate the pain levels of Black patients, leading to inadequate pain management. Additionally, language barriers and cultural differences often exacerbate misunderstandings, further alienating patients from their providers.