A Rubric to Center Equity in Obstetrics and Gynecology Research

Abstract

The Steering Committee for the Obstetrics & Gynecology special edition titled “Racism in Reproductive Health: Lighting a Path to Health Equity” formed a working group to create an equity rubric. The goal was to provide a tool to help researchers systematically center health equity as they conceptualize, design, analyze, interpret, and evaluate research in obstetrics and gynecology. This commentary reviews the rationale, iterative process, and literature guiding the creation of the equity rubric.

Validation of a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery Prediction Model Without Race and Ethnicity in Individuals With Two Prior Cesarean Deliveries

“…1,2 However, that model included race and ethnicity, and concerns were raised that it may perpetuate biases and health disparities by their inclusion. 3,4 In 2021, an updated MFMU VBAC prediction model was developed using the same data set, excluding race and ethnicity as possible model covariates. 5…”

“…1,2 However, that model included race and ethnicity, and concerns were raised that it may perpetuate biases and health disparities by their inclusion. 3,4 In 2021, an updated MFMU VBAC prediction model was developed using the same data set, excluding race and ethnicity as possible model covariates. 5 The updated MFMU VBAC prediction model was created in a population of patients with one prior cesarean delivery and has not been validated for those with two prior cesarean deliveries.…”

The Green Book and the Green Journal

“…We used this experience to refine the rubric for clarity and simplicity, and the resulting article is in this issue (see page 772). 9 …”

Special Thanks and Acknowledgements

“…A descriptive article is included in this issue. 2 Diligently increasing the depth, breadth, subject matter expertise, and diversity of the Green Journal reviewer pool to be better prepared to handle manuscripts for this issue and going forward. All Steering Committee members became Green Journal reviewers and served as peer reviewers for the Special Edition.Assuring the entire issue is Open Access and available to all people.…”