The dangers of gender inequality in health care
From new medications to advanced treatments, modern medicine has come a long way in the last few years. But sadly, equality in health care is a problem we're still trying to solve. Men and women receive different treatment when it comes to health care—and the trends are troubling. Consider these statistics:
- One in five women feel their doctor has ignored or dismissed their symptoms1, and 17% say they feel they have been treated differently because of their gender.
- Research into high-, middle-, and low-income countries2 has all shown a similar theme: Trans, cisgender, and lesbian women receive worse treatment and care than cisgender men.
- Women receive a later diagnosis of over 700 different diseases3 than men, making preventable diseases much more lethal.
- Conditions that most commonly impact women4, like fibromyalgia and chronic pain, are less studied and less well-known. This means there are fewer treatment options. And fewer ways to reduce suffering.
This difference in care is known as gender-related inequality. And these inequalities are not only harmful to physical and mental health outcomes5 but can also worsen health disparities. Put simply, gender inequality is damaging and dangerous. Something has to change.
More resources must be dedicated to eliminating bias in health care. But before we can get rid of gender bias in health care, we must first learn what gender inequality is, and why it is so dangerous.
What is gender inequality in health care?
Imagine your mother, sister or friend is ill. She is in pain and in desperate need of help. Now imagine she is being dismissed by her doctor or told she is imagining her symptoms. Then imagine a man who has gone to the same doctor with the same complaints. But he receives quality care and treatment options, while she is still suffering at home. Your loved one is not able to access the care she needs, simply because she is a female. Is that right? Of course not. But research shows it's a sad reality in some situations.
Gender inequality in health care means a person experiences gaps in treatment or care based on their sex6. It means a woman's entire medical experience, from diagnosis to treatment to prescription drug and aftercare options, is poorer, simply because she's a woman. If this kind of inequity remains, outcomes will get worse. And people will continue to get sicker.
What are the dangers of gender disparities and inequality in health care?
Social determinants of health7 are the conditions in which people live that affect their chances for positive health outcomes. And access to proper health care is one of the most important ones.
These determinants shape outcomes, influence long-term behaviors and shape social change. But without proper, unbiased health care access, women fare far worse than men. And the results of gender-based inequality in health care8? Heart disease. More chronic pain disorders. Negative mental health outcomes. And the sad fact is that many of these issues can be prevented with equal access to providers and care.
While these issues are awful and unfair, they are not permanent. There are ways to address these issues and make gender inequality in health care a thing of the past. But it takes careful, intersectional strategy, content and information to make it a possibility. Equity is the goal. And here is how we can get there.
How can gender inequality be addressed in health care?
A world in which people get sicker, and die, simply because of their gender is awful. That kind of health-related oppression can only lead to more sickness and suffering. All people must have access to safe and affordable health care. This means the entire health care industry, from doctors to health insurance providers, must make sure their policies include women. Diversity training, strategic hires, and a constant focus on a strategy that prioritizes health equity are vital for addressing these disparities.
Other ways to close the gender gap include:
Learn about intersectionality.
Intersectionality9—the ways in which race, gender, class, disability and sexuality shape each other within broader structures and processes of power—must be examined to break down barriers. Just as important are making sure intersectionality is regarded when creating health policy and care practices. This will ensure that women’s health, and other issues like getting rid of institutionalized racism, are prioritized.
Remove barriers to medical care.
This is key to making health care more equitable. Costs must be upfront, not hidden in many pages of insurance paperwork. This empowers patients to take control of their own health.
Make health insurance personal.
There is nothing more important to a person's overall well-being than their health. Personalized health plans, which allow the consumer to choose what is covered in their plan, give consumers the ability to see all their available options. Women’s health care options must be inclusive of their health needs to provide proper care. And this should be reflected in health insurance.
Pursue health equity.
Health equity10 means that all individuals experience their best health without any barriers to care. This must be the goal in addressing health disparities and gender discrimination, and the core goal in fixing gender inequalities. No one should be denied the care they need because of their gender. And pursuing equity, both feminist and racial equity, is a great way to fix this problem.
Gender disparities in health care can be fixed.
There is no doubt that gender inequality in health care is a serious problem. But it can be changed. The role of the healthcare system should be to provide quality care, not hinder it. By making gender bias a thing of the past, your mother, sister, friend, or loved one is sure to get the care they need to live their best lives. And it can be done! Through prioritizing inclusive policies and procedures, health care can become more equitable for all.
3 https://equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12939-020-01283-4#ref-CR1
4 https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_address_gender_inequality_in_health_care
5 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychological-effects-of-gender-inequality
6 https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/sponsored/exploring-gender-bias-healthcare
7 https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-of-health
8 https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/sponsored/exploring-gender-bias-healthcare
9 https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2820%2932513-7