American Muslim Women’s Experiences with Pregnancy and Childbirth in the United States

• In Event: 40820 - Section on Sociology of Sex and Gender Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 4: Sexuality, Gender, and Religion

Abstract

Background: Marginalized populations in the United States experience higher instances of health disparities, discrimination, and misdiagnoses when seeking healthcare treatment compared to non-marginalized groups. The Reproductive Justice framework has been used to study and understand the injustice and discrimination individuals experience when seeking reproductive care. This research will utilize the Reproductive Justice framework to study the experiences of American Muslim Women during pregnancy and childbirth. With the growing Muslim population around the world and in the United States, understanding the needs of this group can help promote changes that will better service Muslim Women's reproductive healthcare needs.

Problem Statement: Muslim Women adhere to specific religious values and beliefs, which can inform their healthcare decisions, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. Very limited research has been done on this group. Hence, little is known about the experiences of Muslim Women who seek maternity care in the U.S. healthcare system.

Methods: This will be a qualitative study. I will conduct semi-structured interviews with participants who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth in the U.S. I will use a narrative analysis to analyze and report the findings.

Potential Findings: I believe this research will identify gaps in the U.S. healthcare system when treating Muslim Women patients and discriminatory behaviors that can make it harder for them to seek healthcare. I believe this research will identify the specific needs of Muslim Women that are not currently understood in the healthcare system.

Author

• Salema Mohamed, University of Central Florida