In 2025, Black women in the U.S. still can’t get the quality healthcare their white peers often receive. The history of bias in this country continues to play out through social determinants of health, from poverty to whether or not people have access to clean water. Despite the many questions that remain around women’s health, the Trump administration has also recently reduced funding for women’s health research.
Across the country, Black women are leading the charge to make change. Today, NOW National President Christian F. Nunes sits down with Dr. Sharon Thompson, Medical Director and Board Vice Chair of the Black Women’s Health Imperative, to discuss why Black women are disproportionately impacted by inequities in the healthcare system—and how combatting these disparities benefits everyone.
Links:
https://bwhi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/CWC_Report_Full_report_lowres.pdf
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/flint-water-crisis-everything-you-need-know
https://kinema.com/films/me-period-tut9gq
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/23/nx-s1-5372892/womens-health-initiative-research-funding-gets-cut
Guest: Dr. Sharon R. Thompson is a powerhouse in women’s health—an OB/GYN, health tech innovator, professor, and national speaker with deep roots in public health and education. Known for her dynamic blend of clinical care, policy insight, and media presence, Dr. Thompson leads conversations that center dignity, data, and cultural competence in healthcare. She is the founder of Central Phoenix OB/GYN and a regular medical contributor on Good Morning Arizona.
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Socials:
Dr. Sharon Thompson:
Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonthompson/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonthompsonmdmph/
Black Women’s Health Imperative:
Instagram: instagram.com/blkwomenshealth/
Twitter/X: x.com/blkwomenshealth
Facebook: facebook.com/BlackWomensHealthImperative/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/black-women's-health-imperative/