HHS launches federal investigation into Cedars-Sinai's treatment of Black mothers
The Department of Health and Human Services is putting a spotlight on Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as it investigates how the hospital conducts its treatment of Black expectant mothers.
The civil rights probe follows a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the hospital by Charles Johnson IV after the untimely death of his wife Kira, who had undergone a planned cesarean section at the hospital on April 12, 2016. Kira died of massive internal bleeding 12 hours after her son was born on the following day.
In his lawsuit, Johnson alleges that his wife’s surgery was done “recklessly,” taking a total of just 17 minutes from start to finish.
“Because of Kira Johnson's race (a Black woman) she was not given the care and treatment she was entitled to,” the complaint reads. “The care she was provided was below that which was/is provided to other women who are not Black. She would be alive today if she was a white woman.”
That lawsuit has since been settled, but news of Johnson’s story spread across social media, eventually catching the eye of HHS and the Office of Civil Rights. The LA Times obtained a copy of the letter the agency sent to Johnson informing him that they were aware of his concerns “regarding the standard of care provided to Black women in the care of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.” The letter also indicated that the HHS investigation will explore whether the Los Angeles-based hospital is in compliance with federal civil rights laws, as Cedars-Sinai receives federal funding.
Director of HHS’ Office of Civil Rights Melanie Fontes Rainer confirmed the investigation in emailed statements to multiple news outlets.
“Maternal health is a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and one in which the HHS Office for Civil Rights is working on around the country to ensure equity and equality in healthcare,” Fontes Rainer said. “To protect the integrity of this ongoing investigation we have no further comment.”
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.