A PRIMER ON GENDER & HEALTH KIRA ZIZZO
G
ender disparities in healthcare have been a longstanding issue worldwide. Despite significant advancements in medicine and public health, women continue to experience distinct challenges in accessing healthcare services, receiving appropriate treatments, and benefiting from supportive policies, especially in a world where reproductive rights continue to be heavily contested.
many regions experience delayed or limited access to prenatal care, reproductive health services, and preventive screenings, leading to adverse health outcomes. Reproductive health remains a central concern for women, with significant disparities in access to family planning and maternal healthcare. The Guttmacher Institute reported that an estimated 214 million women in developing countries who want to avoid pregnancy do not have access to modern contraceptives. Moreover, maternal mortality rates continue to be higher in low-income countries, where access to skilled healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth is limited, but also here in the US too.
One of the critical disparities lies in access to healthcare services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women often face higher barriers to accessing essential healthcare due to various factors, including cultural norms, lack of transportation, and economic constraints. As a result, women in Biases in healthcare extend beyond 8 | 11 SECONDS MAGAZINE
