Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Although miscarriage remains a common reproductive health issue, the experiences of Black women in Canada are compounded by systemic racism and inequities within the health care system. The proposed research will explore the lived experiences of Black women who have had a miscarriage with the aim of investigating how systemic racism and health disparities impact their maternal journey. Despite the evidence that racialized women often experience poorer health care outcomes, research exploring Black women's experiences of miscarriage in Canada is limited. It is worth mentioning that physicians in Canada are relying on data from the United Kingdom and the United States to help understand these maternal health care disparities and to ultimately inform the care they provide to Black pregnant women. Furthermore, there is very limited information on how nurses are adapting their care to meet the specific needs of Black pregnant women, especially in providing support to those who have experienced a miscarriage. Also, data on Black maternal mortality and other birth complications in Canada is lacking, placing Black pregnant women at increased risk of maternal complications and death. This study seeks to fill these gaps in the literature and help inform practice and policy by addressing the urgent need for anti-racist care models adaptable to Canada's health care system. The study findings will highlight the challenges of Black pregnant women and help inform strategies to improve health care services and outcomes for those facing miscarriage, ensuring that they receive the equitable and compassionate care they deserve. Specifically, the proposed study will inform policies targeted at reducing racial disparities and promoting trust between health care providers and Black women. This study has the potential to bring about systemic change, ensuring that Black women's voices are centered in maternal care and policy reforms.