Addressing limited English proficiency and disparities for Hispanic postpartum women

Abstract

The National Institutes of Health Office of Minority Health challenges health providers to eliminate health disparities for Hispanic women, especially those women with limited English proficiency. This article addresses this challenge by identifying areas of health disparities for low-risk postpartum Hispanic women with limited English proficiency, by describing the legal basis for improving language access, and by proposing implementation of Office of Minority Health national guidelines. Health providers can use a social equity framework to support improvements in communication practices when language differs.