Racial Bias in Drug Testing: The Injustices and the Way Forward

In the United States, the story of Simon Cofie and his wife, wrongfully arrested due to a false-positive drug test, is a stark reminder of the systemic racial bias entrenched in the system. This instance is not isolated, but part of a larger pattern where Black Americans disproportionately face wrongful arrests and convictions stemming from presumptive drug testing. This racial bias also extends to the healthcare system, where Black patients, particularly women, are unjustly targeted for drug screening.

The Racial Bias in Drug Testing and Reporting

The racial bias in drug testing and reporting is a pervasive issue that is deeply rooted in the American social and healthcare systems. As reported by MedPageToday, wrongful arrests and convictions due to false-positive drug tests disproportionately target Black Americans. This bias is evident in various aspects of healthcare, including prenatal and neonatal care, and end-of-life care for cancer patients.

The Historical Context of Racial Bias in Medicine

The racial bias within the healthcare system is not a recent phenomenon but is intertwined in the history of the medical field. Black patients, especially women, have often been unfairly targeted for drug screening. This racially unjust utilization of drug screens in law and medicine reflects the historical devaluation of Black people's lives, health, and dignity.

Racial Bias in Medical Practice and Devices

As highlighted by Dr. Henrietta Hughes, the government's patient safety commissioner in England, in an article from The Guardian, there are deeply ingrained racial biases and misogyny that put patients at risk. This bias is not only limited to drug testing but extends to medical devices and medicines. For example, pulse oximeters work less effectively for darker skin tones, and certain medical implants are not designed with female patients in mind.

Addressing Racial Bias

Combatting these biases requires acknowledging and addressing implicit bias at an institutional level. There is a pressing need for more diverse medical textbooks, image libraries, and training props to address these biases. Additionally, steps need to be taken to address the healthcare inequalities that have been highlighted by the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on ethnic minority communities and staff.

Health Literacy and Racial Bias

According to a study published in the American Journal of Managed Care, health literacy is also a predictor of health outcomes and disparities. The study found that low health literacy is associated with patients who were Black, low income, reported loneliness or isolation, or faced food insecurity. There is a need to address health inequities and this can be achieved by building infrastructures that promote health equity.

Racial Discrimination in Housing, Sentencing, and Policing

Racial discrimination is not limited to healthcare, but extends to housing, sentencing, and policing, according to resources provided by the Prison Policy Initiative. The stark disproportionalities in justice involvement for people of color, particularly Black people, are a clear indication of the systemic racial bias present in these sectors.

Conclusion

Systemic racial bias is a pervasive issue that affects various aspects of society, including healthcare and the justice system. Acknowledging, addressing, and combatting this bias is a responsibility that falls on individuals, institutions, and the larger society. A concerted effort is required to ensure health equity and justice in the face of these deeply entrenched biases.