INSTITUTIONAL RACISM AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CARE OF BLACK WOMEN DURING THE PREGNANCY-PUERPERAL CYCLE

Abstract

Introduction: It is recognized that structural racism present in health institutions generates inequalities in care, resulting in losses in maternal health indicators for Black women compared to white women. Objective: To synthesize the body of knowledge on how institutional racism impacts the quality of care provided to pregnant Black women within health services, mainly during the prenatal, delivery, and postpartum periods. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted, searching for articles published between 2015 and 2025 in scientific databases, following the PRISMA protocol guidelines (2020) that address the impact of institutional racism on the maternal care of Black women. After screening, the selection criteria were applied to the studies; two reviewers performed data collection and analysis. Results: The studies conducted reveal that institutional racism manifests itself through explicit and implicit biases, negligence, conventional communication, and barriers to access, culminating in late diagnoses, insufficient treatments, and a higher incidence of obstetric complications and maternal mortality. Discussion: It is evident that institutional racism constitutes a systemic obstacle that demands structural actions, such as anti-racist training for healthcare professionals, review of care protocols, and the formulation of inclusive public policies to guarantee equitable and humanized care. Final considerations: Overcoming institutional racism is imperative to reduce disparities in maternal care, promote social justice, and ensure that Black women receive adequate and respectful attention throughout the pregnancy-puerperal cycle.