‘Married To Medicine’ Star Dr. Jackie Claims Pregnant Black Women “Cry Wolf” In Resurfaced Clip
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Dr. Jackie Walters of Married To Medicine made stereotypical accusations against Black women in a newly resurfaced clip.
A YouTube live broadcast from April 2020 finds the reality television star and her fellow cast member, Dr. Heavenly Kimes, answering medical questions. During the conversation, Walters alleges that Black women are not always honest with medical professionals and exaggerate health concerns.
“Sometimes as African American women, we’re a bit more dramatic and that you go to the doctor and you complain and you complain and you complain and you’re not taken seriously because you cry wolf the entire pregnancy,” claimed Walters.
She continued, “As African American women, we want to also make sure you’re being serious with your doctor and not playing the game so I can take you off work. Because then, we see you 25 times in the pregnancy, it’s hard to believe that there’s a true problem when there’s a true problem.”
The 3-year-old comments, being criticized across social media per Page Six, do not coincide with Walter’s recent efforts to shine a light on Black maternal mortality rates. Earlier this year on Mother’s Day, the reality star sat with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss racial disparities in health care, specifically pregnancy and reproductive issues. The moment was aired during this season’s Married To Medicine.
“In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, the United States of America, we have the highest rates of maternal mortality, that Black women in our country, in this era are three times more likely to die in connection with childbirth. I think it’s inexcusable,” detailed VP Harris.
“We have been fighting for states to expand Medicaid coverage. We need all the states to sign on, and we need to let moms know that they’re actually entitled to Medicaid coverage for up to 12 months of postpartum care and that’s one of the things that we need to get the word out.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for White women. Rates for Black women are also significantly higher than those of Hispanic women.
Earlier this year, the Associated Press reported Black infants are more likely to die, and also far more likely to be born prematurely, which can subsequentially result in a lifetime of health issues.
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