Systemic Oppression, the Impact on Obstetric Care, and Interventions to Achieve Ideal Obstetric Outcomes

The goal of this article is to invigorate obstetric providers to challenge and transform the institution of medicine to improve patient outcomes and have a more just and equitable health care system. Despite our best efforts, systemic oppression continues to exist in health care and results in adverse outcomes among patients with targeted identities. As the ladder of oppression demonstrates, the system of oppression is upheld by our individual actions. By addressing our stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, we can interrupt the actions and thoughts that lead to oppression. This article presents ways to interrupt oppression that are outlined in the "Isms" section that can easily applied and implemented in daily patient care. Recognizing the identities and intersectionality of individuals enables obstetric providers to empathize with patients who share similar or relatable identities and more importantly enables providers to appreciate the diversity of experience and possible challenges patients may encounter with the health care system. The intersectional approach to obstetric patient care and interruption of oppression can lead to ideal patient outcomes.