Accessing Healthcare: Know Your Rights
Tell Us What Happened
Your voice matters. Tell us about your healthcare experience and shed light on the barriers you’ve faced. By sharing what happened, you help us demand better care and break the silence that holds us back. Let’s create a more equitable system together.
Know Your Rights
As a Black woman in Canada, you have rights when it comes to healthcare. These include:
- $The right to access healthcare services without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or gender.
- $The right to receive care that is culturally sensitive and respectful of your identity and experiences.
- $The right to be informed about your health condition, treatment options, and any potential risks or side effects.
- $The right to consent to or refuse treatment, as well as the right to seek a second opinion.
- $The right to access your medical records and request corrections if necessary.
What to Look Out For
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of chronic illnesses that disproportionately impact Black people can help you advocate for your health. Some conditions to look out for include:
Fibroids
Black women are more likely to develop fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and other symptoms.
Breast Cancer
Although white women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, Black women are more likely to die from it. This may be due to factors such as later detection and less access to quality healthcare.
Hypertension
Black women have higher rates of hypertension (high blood pressure) compared to women of other races. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
Diabetes
Black women are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to white women. Diabetes can lead to serious complications if not properly managed.
Maternal Mortality
Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than women of other races. This disparity is a critical issue in maternal healthcare.
Questions to Ask
When interacting with healthcare providers, it’s important to ask questions to ensure you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and any potential risks. Some questions you may consider asking include:
Diagnosis
Can you explain my diagnosis and treatment plan in simple terms?
Side Effects
Lifestyle Changes
Remember – you can always take someone with you for support at medical appointments. This is important because they can focus on taking notes and asking questions, allowing you to absorb the information being relayed.
Resources for Accessing Healthcare
Visit our Resources page for access to healthcare physicians, mental health supports, and other services that are Black-led or Black-friendly. We have compiled a list of organizations and providers who understand the unique needs of Black women and girls and are committed to providing culturally competent care.
Check Out Our Wisdom Workshops
Each of our workshop sessions are crafted specifically for the unique experiences of Black women and girls, with topics that matter to you. Sign up for a workshop today.
Tell Us What Happened
Your voice matters. Tell us about your healthcare experience and shed light on the barriers you’ve faced. By sharing what happened, you help us demand better care and break the silence that holds us back. Let’s create a more equitable system together.