22 minute read
Pregnant Women of Color
6 Pregnant During a Pandemic: Issues and Barriers Confronting Women of Color
BY LINDA N., SPECIAL TO CAW
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Brooklyn, NY: "In case I don't come back or make it, please make sure that my baby is sent to my mother," said Sharon to her friend, as she passed on her barely 4-month-old baby to her, preparing for the admittance into the hospital. Sharon's mind roamed as she recalled the journey to becoming a mother, how she delivered a long-desired baby boy in November 2020 after trying to get pregnant for almost five years. Her mind went through months of roller-coasting emotions, characterized by feelings of disappointment, anxiety, sadness, and near despair. She got diagnosed as depressed and was placed on medication. Her mind also recalled the moment and the shock that rushed through her body when she realized back in April that she was pregnant, the joy felt, when she realized that the delayed monthly period was not merely anxiety-induced from the frightening daily updates of the ravaging pandemic. Despite her delight, Sharon couldn't shake off the feelings of apprehension for the journey ahead. Questions like, where do I go for antenatal care? Who will be my doctor? Will it be a natural birth, or should I consider a Caesarean? Whom can I talk to about my concerns? All these questions raced through Sharon's mind at the time. More importantly, is it safe to continue to take these drugs? Sharon then decided to discontinue taking her antidepressant medications without seeking any medical advice. Fast forward to the present. It was a terrifying period. Luckily, Sharon pulled through and had a safe delivery. However, trouble started when a few months after delivery, she could not sleep, eat, and lost interest in everything around her. Life became a real struggle; mustering any interest in anything around her, especially taking care of her baby, was a battle. It wasn't as if she wanted to stop caring, but she just couldn't get herself to despite trying. This dragged on for months.
"I don't know why I had a nervous breakdown at the end of my pregnancy. I made it through the months of isolation due to the pandemic. It was like I hung in there just to have the baby," she recalled telling the psychiatrist, "afterward, I just lost control of everything, and I increasingly feel like harming my baby." Besides the feelings of impending doom, she also recalled the constant racing heart rate, trembling, and unexplainable sudden onset of weight gain, especially around her lower body. She remembered feeling ashamed to reveal her feelings, especially to her close friends and her spouse, for fear of ridicule. So, she endured in silence. Unfortunately, Sharon didn't realize that going off her medication had contributed to the present condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income and developed countries. There are wide disparities by race as recorded by data gathered since the early 1900s, specifically linked to the high death rates among Black mothers. Unfortunately, black women and their infants are two times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than white women and their infants. According to the CDC report, in New York City, black women are also more likely to die due to pregnancy complications, which appear significantly higher than the national average compared to white pregnant women. Correspondingly, a published report in 2021 by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which covered maternal mortality and morbidity over five years, states that in 2017, there were over 100,000 live births, and more than 50 women died in New York City from pregnancy-associated deaths. Of the reported deaths, 21 were pregnancy-related (numbers that the pandemic might have exacerbated), with the highest causes of death listed as embolisms and mental health conditions followed by cardiovascular disorders. The three areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the lungs, heart, and state of mind. These were some of the issues discussed by a team of panelists organized through the partnership between the Literacy Zone of the Brooklyn Public Library and Emblem Health. The discussion raised and addressed some of the challenges confronting pregnant women of color and heightened during the pandemic. Questions from community members about the transmission of COVID-19 to a newborn became top-of-mind. The facilitator, Christina Reid, a certified social worker, and case manager, moderated the discussions. Responding, a combination of Advanced Care Physicians and the Medical Director of EmblemHealth, Dr. Diane Ashton, who specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology, addressed the issues and concerns during the event. Dr. D. Ashton explained that clinical research findings show that transmission during pregnancy is uncommon from the mother to the unborn baby. Farther to her response, CDC guidelines show that newborns of mothers who had COVID-19 during their pregnancy rarely have the virus. Even when they do test positive after birth, most of the babies had mild or no symptoms and recovered. On the question of clinical protocols around pregnancy and childbirth, she confirmed that hospitals adhere to following the protocols, including during delivery and especially at the pandemic's peak. According to her, "…protocols in hospitals has been high, …if a pregnant woman tests positive during delivery, she will be kept in isolation … and movement around the labor and delivery area will be limited." There is a general rule of keeping mother and baby together to maximize bonding. It is reconsidered if a mother who tests positive is very sick after childbirth, the newborn is then isolated. "Generally, we keep mother and baby together, but if the mother is sick with COVID, then they can be kept apart, and if the mother is positive and baby is positive, we don't keep them separated." Noting that the pregnancy journey can be pretty difficult and stressful, some community members wondered where they could seek help if they feel unsupported. As cited in the case study, Sharon felt unsupported from her immediate social support, and many women can identify with the scenario. Factors like cultural values, family patterns, personal beliefs can contribute to a pregnant woman feeling isolated during this period. One panelist, who is also a community advocate, shared her experience during her pregnancy and journey to delivery during the pandemic. She described the experience as terrifying because of the bedside treatment during the process. She recalled feeling unheard and ignored by the medical experts despite advocating strongly that her concerns need serious consideration. According to Ashley Adams-Forbes, Deputy Director of Social Development, "I truly experienced this. It was just the scariest experience of my life." However, one of the lessons gathered from the process is the importance of strongly advocating for one's life. If the pregnant woman feels that she cannot stand up for herself, she must enlist the help of people who can present her wishes more assertively. As a practicing professional, Ms. Chinelu Nduka, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, reiterated the importance of relying on one's support system, especially during pregnancy. While being strong and playing different roles, a woman should not hesitate to ask for help, especially during the period. She says,"... I think a lot of times, as women of color, we wear so many hats, we have so many roles…it is imperative, if you get pregnant, or planning to be, you need to rely on support from your support system … lean on your support system and ask for help." This advice is essential, especially in managing mental health issues, which is one of the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality. She described the differences between baby blues, which often occur within a few weeks after childbirth, and postpartum depression (PPD). The latter, she explains, is more severe, prolonged, and requires specialized management. She says, "… Baby Blues is experienced within days of giving birth and lasts about two weeks after birth, with crying and generally not feeling well as symptoms. But PPD generally takes a longer time. Symptoms are more severe, crying spells, and more often, the sleep cycle is off with episodes of insomnia or sleeping too much and lasts for months and about a year. It is really important to reach out to your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or OBGYN … or get a referral to a mental health professional...". Among the numerous issues identified as contributing to maternal mortality among blacks, accessibility to quality healthcare, self-limiting beliefs, inherent biases of medical professionals in the field evidenced in attitudes of white supremacy worsened the situation and often led to dire consequences. Community members often claim they don't feel comfortable with their PCP. They often cite feelings of unease and sometimes aloofness from their PCP, making them unable to share their concerns and not receive the care needed. Unanimously, the panelists reiterated the need for every patient and especially pregnant women, to work with a professional they are happy with. According to Ms. Nduka, "We tend to think that Clinical providers can solve all problems. Some providers don't feel right with their patients, and it is vital to know that you have options. It's good to know that you don't have to continue to see your PCP. Step back and say, "I'm not Ok with that, I feel I am not heard…Talk to someone you trust. You can get a referral to see someone else." Ms. Adams-Forbes, the community advocate, reiterated the importance of staying strong and not feeling discouraged in self-advocacy and getting the desired care. She emphasized that,"… You have to trust yourself in the process of advocacy. You can't get discouraged. Everybody starts to second guess what you are going through, but as a woman of color, trust what you are feeling, what your body is telling you, also don't allow yourself to be discouraged…". Furthermore, when the patient feels uncomfortable with their PCP or OBGYN, it is important to start the change process on time, advised Dr. Ashton. While Ms. Shawnee Benton-Gibson, a social worker and CEO of Spirit of a Woman, advocates the need to remain in tune with oneself, listen to one's biases, and seek help, including therapy when necessary, to help them in processing the solution. She says,"… We have to slow down and allow activities that can help one to process the whole thing".l
Workers’ Compensation 101
BY TATYANA BELLAMY-WALKER
of non-compliance. These laws do not More than a century ago, pirates were some of the world’s first advocates for workers’ comdiscriminate against celebrities either. In 2013, TMZ reported that Jim Carrey was fined $72,000 for not providing workers compensation for employees at a New pensation. Known for their trademark eye York art studio. patches and wooden legs, pirates were Higher worker’s compensation premipaid for bodily losses. While hopefully, ums are most often seen in industries your career is not as dangerous as a with more dangerous conditions such as pirate, if you’re injured on the job, first construction zones, landscaping or other check out your state’s local protocol. risk-prone locations. Workers’ compensation is an insurance Here are some quick tips for reducing or wage replacement offered to employ- your worker’s compensation premiums. ees injured on the job. Under New York State law, workers’ compensation covers employees working in for-profit businesses and excludes most independent contractors. Independent contractors are self-employed workers and not employees. After an injury, it’s important to first receive medical care from a health care provider designated by the Workers Compensation Board. Within 30 days of the incident, notify the employer in writing about the accident. Then file a claim for worker’s compensation and mail it to the nearest Workers’ Compensation Board. Whether you slipped on a banana peel, inhaled toxic fumes or strained your back while lifting boxes, there are rules to remember when filing a claim. Depending on the laws in the state, after a claim, a worker might be drug tested. If the injury was caused by the intoxication, then the benefits can be denied. On the other hand, small businesses cannot forgo workers’ compensation and may face high fines as well as lawsuits for doing so. Uber is faced a class action lawsuit after one of its California drivers was allegedly attacked on the job. Since Uber classifies workers as independent contractors, the driver is not required to receive worker’s compensation. This is one of the drawbacks of Uber’s business model of employing independent contractors. While Uber can avoid insuring drivers, they also run the risks of costly lawsuits. This varies from state to state. In New York, however, Uber drivers are given workers’ compensation benefits under the Black Car Fund, which provides protection and insurance for drivers who are classified as independent contractors. If an agency is concerned about the cost of workers’ compensation, the penalties for forgoing the costs are far worse. According to New York State’s Workers’ Board Employee handbook, if you do not carry coverage and you have fewer than five employees within a 12-month period, then you risk a misdemeanor fine between $1,000 and $5,000. If you hire more than five employees and do not provide coverage it is a class D felony and you face a fine between $5,000 and $50,000. If a business keeps inaccurate payroll records, that can affect worker’s compensation premiums and they may face a penalty of $2,000 for each ten-day period First, establish and maintain a safety program to reduce work-related injuries. For example, some employers join a drugfree workplace program regulated under Code Rule 60 of New York State’s Department of Labor. In addition, it is important to be aware of fraudulent claims. If someone is out of work for a knee injury – an investigator might expose that they’re engaging in activities that impede on their safety. Lastly, consider joining a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) to assist in loss control and safety. They are experts in providing administrative support such as payroll processing and human resources. Reducing injuries not only ensures a safer work environment but allows the owner to build a profitable and sustainable business. l
New York Eviction Moratorium Expected to be Extended to Aug. 31
BY ALLISON DIKANOVIC THE CITY
Big news: State lawmakers are expected to extend New York’s eviction moratorium until Aug.
Here’s what to expect
The extension means any New York tenant who has submitted a hardship declaration form will be protected from eviction for the next four months. This would buy tenants some time to apply to the state’s rent relief program, which opens up next month. This extension covers everything in the current moratorium passed at the end of last year, including residential foreclosures and tax lien sales. The vote isn’t happening until Monday, but multiple lawmakers in Albany have told us they fully expect the measure to pass. FYI: It was supposed to be voted on Wednesday, April 28, but there was an error in the bill. We wanted to let tenants know as soon as possible because May 1, the date when the moratorium was set to expire, is on everyone’s mind. And even though there technically will be a window between May 1 and when the extension goes into effect, a spokesperson from the state Office of Court Administration told us that courts will “adjust accordingly” — confirming that cases will be paused until the moratorium is back in place.
Why the moratorium is extending
Lawmakers acknowledged we’re still in a pandemic, and COVID-19 is still affecting people’s health and incomes. Meanwhile, the state’s new $2.4 billion rent relief program is not up and running yet. So tenant advocates and lawmakers pushed to extend the current eviction moratorium until people have the chance to apply for relief. Since lawmakers went through an extensive process to create this rent relief program as part of the state budget, they have a lot of incentive to make sure it’s successful. The idea is that by the end of August all eligible tenants will have had the opportunity to apply for rent relief, which can cover up to 15 months of rent arrears in full. The relief is believed to be enough to make up all of the rent debt in the state. All of that is to say: Take a deep breath if you can. Evictions are still paused for those who fill out a hardship declaration, and help is in sight. If your landlord tries to evict you or tells you the moratorium ended on May 1 and that you have to leave, know that you have more time.
Here’s what you need to know to be protected from eviction:
•If you’ve submitted the hardship declaration form: You’re good to go until Aug. 31. Your protection is extended automatically. More than 35,000 households in New York City have filed these declarations with the courts so far, and an unknown number of additional households have filed them directly with their landlords to prevent a court case for now. •If, you haven’t submitted the hardship declaration form: You need to do so to be protected from eviction. You still have time to get the form in.
Tenants can use Eviction Free NY to submit the declaration form. It’s available in English and Spanish, and you can use the dropdown menu to find the form in more languages through an online form Housing Justice for All made. You can also find links to the hardship declaration form in 20 languages directly from the courts. When a hardship declaration is successfully filed, an eviction case can’t move forward, and a new case can’t be started until Aug. 31. The only exceptions are emergency repair and illegal lockout cases, and cases in which a landlord alleges their tenant is being a nuisance.
So what’s the deal with rent relief?
Applications for the new massive rent relief program will open next month. Don’t worry, you did not miss your chance to apply. Anthony Farmer, a spokesperson for the state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which is running the rent relief program, said: “We are moving expeditiously to get assistance to New Yorkers who need it most with the expectation that applications will open in May.” You’ll qualify for up to 15 months of rent arrears paid in full if you: •Have experienced financial hardship •Are at risk of homelessness or housing instability •Earn up to 80% of the area median income
These folks are at the top of the rent relief list:
•Tenants with the lowest incomes •Tenants who are unemployed •Tenants who live in buildings with less than 20 units •Tenants with pending eviction cases •Certain other special groups — including domestic violence victims
You don’t need to have an eviction case filed against you to qualify for aid.
As soon as you apply, your landlord cannot start an eviction case against you, and any existing eviction cases cannot move forward until you get a decision on your application. If you get the aid, your landlord can’t increase your rent or evict you without cause for a year. The details of the application process are still unknown. But if you want to be extra prepared, it couldn’t hurt to track down a copy of your current lease or most recent lease agreement, your proof of income and documentation of the rent you owe. As we said, foreclosures and tax lien sales also remain on pause with the moratorium extension. The state budget that created the rent relief program also included mortgage relief. If you are a homeowner who needs help with bills, you can call the Center for New York City Neighborhood’s homeowner helpline at 1-855-466-3456. Consequently, it is essential to seek expert judgment, such as getting advice on your income level, knowing your housing rights, research resources. Relevant nonprofits and agencies such as the NYS Department for Human Rights Housing are good resources. After all, every person should live in a safe and comfortable home without fear of harm or intimidation. l This story was published on April 29, 2021 by THE CITY.
Gender Violence/ continued from page 1
the unthinkable continue to make it difficult to hold fully accountable those who perpetrate such awful acts of violence. There is a dramatic deterioration in the moral fiber of our beloved Jamaican society. This decline is demonstrated by a distressingly high crime rate in general and an embarrassing decrease in respect for women in particular. We are aware of the worldwide increase in domestic violence partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Jamaica has become a part of this global disgrace of gender-based violence. As a woman, and a part of the Jamaica diaspora, I am outraged by the disregard for women’s basic human rights. Rights for all members of the human family were first articulated in 1948 in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The document is universal, It applies to all human beings on the face of the earth. I have been a proud Jamaican for over 66 years. It is appalling that I should now have to hang my head in shame at the disgusting disregard for these basic human rights by so many of our men. It has always been my belief that men who physically attack women are cowards at heart. They continue to rape, beat, and kill women because they have no idea how to cope with the realities of life in productive and meaningful ways. So, they turn their repressed rage on persons who they perceive to be weaker and less able to retaliate effectively against their immature, deplorable acts of depravity. This situation is not to be tolerated. Persons in high office are to set an example of high moral standards. Those who deviate from this societal responsibility must be held accountable. This behavior is not to be swept under the rug or disregarded as unimportant. The hands of law enforcement must not be tied by ineffective laws and policies. Men and women who have the power to create change must stand up and be counted. It is too late for leaders and persons of influence to be overcome by fear and intimidation. The downward moral spiraling of our society needs to stop now. This type of behavior may have been tolerated by women in the past, but it will no longer be tolerated. While women may be regarded as “the weaker vessel” we are strong in numbers and indomitable in determination. Men in Jamaican society need to understand that we will not bring you into the world to become weak-kneed parasites who prey on the vulnerabilities of others to fulfill your desire for power and control. We absolutely will not stand for it. We brought you into the world and we are determined to ensure that men understand and conform to their roles as protectors and defenders of women. We will be respected. The free for all is over.
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I call on all women everywhere to rise up in solidarity against this outrage. Every woman should feel the need to respond to this crisis. All women are potential victims of gender-based violence. No woman should stand aloof from this problem. Gender-based violence knows no boundaries of age, education, race, or socioeconomic status. As women, we should raise our collective voice and harmonize in our determination to eradicate gender inequality and gender-based violence. I call upon men in government and other positions of leadership to insist on change. Religious leaders of Jamaica need to stand up and declare justice, liberation, and redemption for the women of Jamaica. It is the responsibility of every Faith leader to be a moral voice, to stand up as a light in the very deep shadows of this dark chapter in our history as a nation. “What does the Lord require of our spiritual leaders? To do justly”. Common human decency demands that change must happen. This is a national outrage, a moral tragedy. This is not our Jamaica, land we love. Jamaica stands in disgrace today as a country that harbors, condones, and supports corruption and violence. This is not time for just words of outrage though. This is a time for action. Individuals responsible for violating the rights of women must be held accountable. Persons in positions of authority who physically abuse women are not fit for public service. We in the diaspora are shocked, outraged, and saddened by what our country has become. As supporters of the economic well-being of Jamaica, as ambassadors of our proud Jamaican heritage: we demand justice for the women of Jamaica. We have the ability and strength to build Jamaica. We are not encouraged by the lack of respect for the dignity and worth of every Jamaican woman. Laws and policies must not only be put in place that protects the most vulnerable in Jamaican society; these laws and policies must be executed effectively. Educational programs must be implemented that engage minds from early childhood and throughout the life span to embrace values that respect every citizen, that respect human life, that honors women, and elevate families. We need a moral reawakening, a strengthening of resolve, a mandate for change, a moral compass to “teach us true respect for all”, and “guide response to duty call”. I pray that God will “Give us vision lest we perish”. Weed out the bad apples and let Jamaica prosper! No more half-hearted platitudes. No feeble apologies. We need a radical change in our society’s standards of behavior towards women. The need for change is imperative. It is urgent. The time for change is right now.l
