Know Your Rights Concerning Your Health: Advocating for the Health of Black Women

Written by our Advocacy and Human Rights Law Intern Alexis Akolade

As Black women, we face unique challenges when it comes to our health and well-being. Decades of research have confirmed what many of us already know from experience. Racial bias in healthcare often leads to our pain and symptoms being dismissed or minimized. This isn’t just infuriating… it’s dangerous.

Every woman deserves respectful, comprehensive, equitable care. You have the right to quality healthcare with providers that listen to your voice and respects your experiences. Understanding your healthcare rights and knowing hoe to advocate for your health are essential steps toward achieving true health equity. It’s important to know what to expect during a medical visit and be able to advocate for yourself.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect during a medical visit, gain practical patient advocacy strategies, and discover one action you can take today to give your voice the power it deserves.

“Your health. Your voice. Your rights.”

The Care you Should Expect to Receive While Visiting a Health Provider

Every woman deserves to feel seen, heard, and respected, especially when it comes to Black woman’s health. Understanding the level of care you should receive is part of advocating for your health and protecting your healthcare rights. During every visit to you health care provider’s office, you should expect:

✅To be listened to fully: Your symptoms and concerns matter. Your provider should give you their full attention and validate what you’re experiencing.

✅To be communicated with clearly: You have the right to get a clear understanding of your diagnosis and the reasons behind each treatment plan. If you do not understand something your provider says, ask for an explanation in “layman’s terms”.

✅To be treated equitably: You are entitled to equal and respectful treatment, no matter your race, income level, or personal history. Health equity means everyone deserves the same level of care and compassion.

Keep in mind: Fair and respectful treatment isn’t a privilege, it’ your right and a cornerstone of effective patient advocacy.

How to Speak up for Yourself

Speaking up for yourself is one of the most powerful forms of patient advocacy. Being proactive and informed helps ensure that your voice is heard and your healthcare rights are respected. The following steps can help you confidently advocate for your health before, during, and after each appointment.

✅Bring a trusted support person: Your healthcare appointments should include a trusted friend or family member who will help with listening, questioning, and representing your needs during the visit.

✅Keep a record of your health: Record all of your medical symptoms together with your treatment plans and questions. The documentation process enables providers to understand your medical situation while you work toward finding treatment solutions.

✅Ask for clarity: You should ask your healthcare provider to explain the treatment recommendations and simplify complex information.

✅Request your medical records: You should be able to request duplicate copies of your medical records and test results from your healthcare provider. Medical documentation serves two main purposes, it enables patients to receive additional medical care and helps healthcare providers assess their present health status.

Remember: Advocating for your health isn’t about confrontation, it’s about partnership, confidence, and ensuring that your care reflects the respect and equality you deserve in every healthcare setting.

If the Feelings of Dismissal and Lack of Care are Still Present

Even after preparing and speaking up, you still might continue to experience racial bias in healthcare. If you feel your pain, questions, and experiences are being ignored, remember, you have options and healthcare rights designed to protect you. In this case, it may be best to:

✅ Ask for documentation: Calmly state that you would like your concern to be noted in your medical record. Ask for a meeting with a patient advocate or clinic manager.

✅ Request a new provider: If your current doctor continues to dismiss your symptoms, you have every right to seek a second opinion or switch providers. This is an important act of advocating for your health and ensuring fair treatment.

✅ Report discrimination: If you believe racial discrimination has taken place, file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Taking this step helps protect not only yourself but also other patients seeking health equity.

‼️Start a health journal immediately. Write down your symptoms as well as your doctor’s visits and all interactions with your medical providers. Keeping a written record supports your case if your concerns are ever denied and strengthens your ability to practice effective patient advocacy.‼️