The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is undergoing a significant reevaluation of its race-based medical guidelines, starting with antiquated protocols regarding issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and jaundice in newborns. Established in 1930, the AAP’s guidelines have historically relied on race as a factor in medical assessments, which has contributed to disparities in healthcare, particularly disadvantaging non-white infants.
Commitment to Change
In a recently published policy statement titled “Eliminating Race-Based Medicine” in the journal Pediatrics, the AAP has committed to eliminating these outdated guidelines, arguing that race is a socially constructed concept and should not serve as a biological marker. The statement emphasizes the importance of considering social determinants of health and the impacts of racism in clinical decision-making without conflating them with outdated racial categories.
Historical Context
For context, observable traits like skin color have been historically misused to justify discrimination, including during the colonization of the Americas. This misuse of science has perpetuated harmful stereotypes and practices within the medical community, which still affect healthcare access and quality for People of Color. For instance, Black women face a significantly higher risk of maternal mortality due to their concerns often being overlooked by healthcare providers. In a recent review, the AAP discarded a guideline that suggested Black infants were less likely to suffer from UTIs, recognizing that risk factors are unrelated to race.
Future Directions
The AAP is dedicated to a comprehensive review of all its materials, including textbooks and articles, to ensure they reflect current scientific understanding and promote health equity. Joseph Wright, the chief health equity officer at the University of Maryland’s Medical System, stated that the organization is committed to rigorously assessing disease risks and health outcomes, acknowledging that this will be a challenging endeavor.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the AAP is revising its approach to pediatric care by eliminating race-based guidelines to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for all infants. This move marks a significant step toward a more equitable healthcare system.