Researcher ORCID Identifier
0009-0002-1949-7777
Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Human Biology
Reader 1
Jenna Monroy
Reader 2
Emily Matteson
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2024 Kaylin Peña
Abstract
Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women of Color in New York City: Biological and Systemic Impacts
Abstract
This thesis aims to explore how racial health disparities, underrepresentation in gynecology, and socioeconomic barriers contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes among women of color in New York City. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines resources from medical anthropology and human biology, this research will examine the biological implications of chronic stress, specifically HPA axis dysregulation, and its role in maternal health outcomes. With the idea of intersectionality, as conceptualized by Kimberlé Crenshaw, the study analyzes the various effects of systemic inequities and social determinants on maternal health, analyzing how chronic stress that is linked to racial discrimination can dysregulate cortisol levels and contributes to negative outcomes like preterm birth and low birth weight. This work examines the historical inequities in maternal healthcare and assesses how they continue today through factors such as provider demographics, systematic discrimination, and economic burdens. It explores the structural barriers to reproductive justice for women of color and analyzes how these obstacles limit access to culturally competent and affordable care. By synthesizing both systemic and biological factors, the thesis exposes root causes of these health disparities and proposes actionable solutions for the future. These include increasing healthcare workforce diversity, providing younger generations with access to higher education, implementing culturally sensitive support programs, and integrating both medical and community-based stress reduction interventions. This approach aims to bridge racial health gaps and advocate for systemic changes to improve healthcare access and maternal outcomes for women of color in New York City and other culturally dense urban areas.
Recommended Citation
Peña, Kaylin, "Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women of Color in New York City: Biological and Systemic Impacts" (2025). Pitzer Senior Theses. 209.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/pitzer_theses/209
Included in
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons, Biological Psychology Commons, Biology Commons, Biomedical Informatics Commons, Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Clinical Psychology Commons, Cognitive Neuroscience Commons, Cognitive Science Commons, Community Health Commons, Endocrine System Commons, Endocrinology Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Medical Education Commons, Medical Sciences Commons, Pain Management Commons, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons, Women's Health Commons