The underlying problem concerning medical negligence involving minority communities was first put forward by none other than the American tennis legend Serena Williams. Her revelation, which came right after she suffered life-threatening post-natal complications, shook the sports world. Recently, Tori Bowie, a renowned track athlete and Olympic Gold medalist, lost her life during childbirth. As per reports, she passed away due to medical negligence. This caused outrage amongst sports fans, and they couldn’t help but remember the harrowing journey of Serena Williams after her childbirth.
For Williams, the moments after she delivered Olympia were frightening. She encountered some complications which caused her to cough constantly. As she tried to tell the doctors what she needed, her worries fell on deaf ears as they failed to listen to her. When they eventually listened, a blood clot was discovered in her lungs, which was then operated on.
The unfortunate death of an athlete reminds people of Serena Williams
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Tori Bowie, a track athlete and a US gold medalist, recently lost her life after childbirth. As per several reports, Bowie lost her life due to complications arising from childbirth. She passed away on May 2nd, and she was found in her home. According to a tweet by ESPN, an autopsy revealed that she was in active labor when she passed away.
U.S. Olympic champion sprinter Tori Bowie died from complications of childbirth, according to an autopsy report obtained by multiple outlets.
Bowie, a former 100-meter world champion and three-time Olympic medalist, was found dead in her home on May 2. https://t.co/gONk8I5R6V
— ESPN (@espn) June 12, 2023
The horrific details of her demise evoked a strong reaction in fans which was previously seen during the time Serena Williams had Olympia. The entirety of the fans’ sentiments focused on how times have not changed since then.
One user said that even after all the fame and money that black women have earned, they are still not able to get proper care.
All the money and fame that Black women have still can’t save them from this country’s terrible maternal care. Serena and Beyoncé both almost died during childbirth. Tori Bowie was an elite athlete and an Olympic gold medalist. We have to do better for Black women in America. https://t.co/aAXJDHpm7S
— Nato Jacobs (@dcmadness202) June 13, 2023
Another user said that the answer to every medical issue is deeper than health and fitness. They also reminded everyone of the medical negligence suffered by Williams.
This is why the answer to every thing about “health” is so much deeper than fitness.
And so many people have and continue to act like it’s just Black women’s “fitness” and “size.”
We almost lost Serena. Thee Serena Williams had to fight to be taken seriously.
— Brit (with one t) M Williams (@DrBritWilliams) June 13, 2023
One Twitter user talked about how racial bias is the cause of such mindsets still prevailing in society.
bias.
Serena Williams, a wealthy and world-class athlete had to hound doctors into performing more tests (also happened in Florida) after she gave birth. She almost died.
— Merlisa (@merlisa) June 13, 2023
One user talked about how even after Beyonce and Williams shared their story, nothing has changed.
Yeah it's real fucked up. Beyoncé and Serena Williams have talked about their struggles, as well as countless other women. This person is clearly trolling..or obtuse as hell.
— Tina Turner's Legs ♍️ 🇵🇷 (@In_ZAN_ity) June 13, 2023
On another thread, a fan stated how it was not an issue of low body fat, rather the doctors not listening to the concerned person’s reasoning.
Serena also dealt with doctors who refused to listen to her, which is a common problem for Black women.
— Beky B (@BekyBran) June 12, 2023
One fan tweeted the statistic of a higher maternal mortality rate of women of color and how Williams could’ve been a part of it.
The news about Tori Bowie is distressing! Black women have significantly higher chances of complications compared to the rest of the population. We saw these complications arise with another sports icon, Serena Williams. Just so sad.
— EJ (@EJayArrow) June 12, 2023
Yet another added that Williams received the help as her husband spoke up for her and that she could’ve went through the same thing as Bowie.
I’ll never forget Serena Williams talking about if it wasn’t for Alexis speaking up for her when she was in pain…this could’ve been her too. These women are in peak physical condition, have the means, and STILL experience this. It’s a crisis period.
— itstheRoc (@getglam_tam) June 12, 2023
Another fan also thanked Alexis Ohanian for being there for Williams.
There's a story that's stuck with me: Serena Williams said if not for her husband pushing the staff at the hospital to check because he sensed something was off, it could've been disastrous for her.
— Al Pastor Fan Account (@JJBittenbindr) June 12, 2023
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One fan said that this was an issue of reproductive rights and how black women were more likely to go through the consequences.
When we talk about reproductive rights, we have to talk about how Black women and birthing people are far more likely to face serious complications and death. And no, money doesn't always save you. See, Serena Williams and Beyonce. This is incredibly sad. https://t.co/2SZqPNIroa
— Cat Marcario's Right Foot- Openly Vaxxed (@SouthernSylvs) June 12, 2023
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The news of Bowie passing away is a grave reminder of the issues that still persist in the healthcare industry. What are your thoughts on the same? Let us know in the comments.
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