Healing After Stillbirth: The Intersection of Faith, Race & Healthcare

Authors

  • Reem Babikir

Abstract

Background:

Stillbirth is defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) as the death or loss of a baby at 20 weeks of the pregnancy gestation period or beyond (AMA Ethics). The identification of the gestational period is significant as it is the primary variable in classifying the pregnancy loss as a stillbirth rather than a miscarriage. This separation is vital because although both terms signal the death of a fetus, the gestational age variable contributes to a profoundly distressing experience for the parents and has different clinical implications. Although many recent studies address various factors such as maternal health, fetal complications, and healthcare practices that contribute to stillbirth incidence, there has not been enough research about the aftermath and recovery of stillbirth for mothers and families across different variables, such as racial and religious affiliations and socioeconomic levels; particularly for Muslim Women of Color (WOC).

Methods:

A systematic review methodology was utilized for this study, analyzing existing literature on the psychosocial experiences of Muslim women following pregnancy loss, their religious beliefs and practices, and the support provided by faith communities and religious leaders.

Results:

Findings highlight gaps in culturally competent care, disparities in stillbirth management, and the influence of faith-based healing. Physician burnout and unconscious bias are also identified as contributing factors to disparities in maternal-fetal healthcare.

Conclusion:

The review emphasizes the urgent need for healthcare systems, providers and policymakers to implement culturally and religiously sensitive frameworks for stillbirth aftercare.

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Published

2025-05-14

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2025): Articles

Section

Healthcare Administration

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