Breaking the Silence: The Untold Challenges of Native American Women’s Healthcare
Written by: Krithi Vemireddy | Edited by: Olivia Das
The unique challenges faced by Native American women are frequently overlooked in the bigger picture of healthcare in the United States. To understand the present struggles of Indigenous women, we must acknowledge the historical context.The legacy of colonialism and systemic discrimination has had a long-term impact on health care, including limited access to medical services for Native Americans. Policies during the colonial era, such as the creation of boarding schools and Indian reservations in North America, upended traditional ways of life and broke ties to cultural customs, particularly those pertaining to healing and health. Indigenous healing methods and the arrival of Western medicine frequently clashed, causing a rift that persists to this day.
One of the most significant obstacles is the geographic isolation of many Native American communities. Getting to healthcare facilities is difficult in remote and rural areas because of poor transportation infrastructure. According to Indianaffairs.gov, around 64% are Native American reserves are located in rural areas. Native American women may experience delayed or even ignored medical care due to long travel times to medical facilities. The lack of dependable transportation infrastructure exacerbates the problem throughout the vast stretches of reservations. Because of this, it may be extremely difficult for Native American women to get to medical facilities, which could cause them to put off seeking care or, in certain cases, completely forgo necessary medical treatments.
These challenges are exacerbated by factors such as harsh weather conditions, particularly in regions with extreme climates. Harrowing winter conditions and impassable roads during inclement weather further restrict access to healthcare services, making it a mammoth endeavor for Native American women to make the journey to medical facilities. Inadequate medical facilities, clinics with restricted services, and a shortage of healthcare experts all contribute to a healthcare system that is unprepared to meet the broad and complicated requirements of Native American women. This scarcity makes people more dependent on far-off healthcare facilities, which exacerbates the challenges brought on by remoteness.
Cultural awareness is vital in healthcare, yet it frequently falls short in Native American communities. Medical assistance may be reluctantly sought due to differences between Indigenous traditional beliefs and mainstream healthcare procedures. Establishing trust requires an understanding of the value of conventional methods and their integration into healthcare. For Native American women, traditional medicine is an integral part of their healthcare regimen. A more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to healthcare can be achieved by acknowledging and combining indigenous healing methods with Western medicine. Recognizing the connection between mental, spiritual, and physical well-being is a step in the right direction.
Advocacy for policy changes is a driving force behind efforts to achieve healthcare equality. This includes addressing funding disparities, improving healthcare infrastructure on reservations, and advocating for policies that ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for Native American women. Embedded within these challenges are the personal stories of Native American women who have navigated the complexities of healthcare access. The individual tales of Native American women who have successfully negotiated the difficulties of obtaining healthcare are intertwined with these difficulties. Their stories offer a human viewpoint, demonstrating resilience, fortitude, and the will to get over setbacks for their health. It is critical to acknowledge and address the obstacles Native American women experience as we work toward a more inclusive and fair healthcare system. Through recognition of the past, comprehension of geographic obstacles, encouragement of cultural awareness, and lobbying for legislative modifications, we may all work together to create a healthcare environment that guarantees everyone’s health, regardless of cultural or geographic background.
