WIA Statement on Racism in America

Women in Anesthesiology is an independent anesthesiology organization consisting of women of every color. Injustice felt by one of us is felt by all of us.

We recognize that our specialty of anesthesiology is not immune to the inequalities experienced by the black community. We recognize that pregnant black women are less likely to receive a labor epidural or to receive the preferred anesthetic for cesarean delivery (1). We recognize that black children are less likely to have a parent present at the induction of anesthesia or to receive antianxiety medications before surgery (2). We recognize that black children and adults sometimes receive inferior pain management (3, 4). We recognize that some medical professionals hold false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites (5). As anesthesiologists, we are ethically bound to address these inequalities and serve all patients with the best evidence-based compassionate care that consciously accounts for the impact of racism on health.

Black women anesthesiologists are vital to the future of anesthesiology. The greatest percentage of young, nonwhite anesthesiologists are women, and 7.2% of women anesthesiologists are black (6). Black women are leaders in clinical medicine, from anesthesia residents to division chairs. We recognize their resilience as they face implicit and explicit biases at work, disparities in pay and academic time, and a lack of equitable mentorship as they conduct the rigorous practice of medicine (6). Women in Anesthesiology is committed to support the equitable professional development of women of color and to amplify their voices.