ASIAN STILLBIRTHS VIS-À-VIS BLEACHING CREAM TOXICITY: COLORISM AS CRITICAL SOCIAL WORK EXPLANATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37231/apj.2022.5.1.292Abstract
Abstract: Colorism as suggested by social science is a veiled construct less acknowledged in the Social Work curriculum and the Social Work literature. The objective of colorism directs Asian women to engage in efforts that they may acquire by artificial means access to having light skin. Such access is facilitated by application of toxic bleaching cream ingredients which include mercury, arsenic and hydroquinone. According to empirical investigations said ingredients factor in events of stillbirth colorism. Light-skinned Asian women are less susceptible to such stillbirth events attributed to their inherent complexions. The continual use of toxic bleaching creams may be an explanation of the 33 1/3% of global stillbirths unresolved. As pertains to Asian countries in general India, Pakistan, and China significantly account for nearly 50% of all the stillbirths globally. The acknowledgement of colorism in the context of Asian women experiencing stillbirth must be addressed by unveiling the stillbirth crisis.
Keywords: Asian; Stillbirth; Dark skin; Health risks
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