Intersectionality as a Theoretical Framework for Health Inequities in Pregnancy: Theory Analysis

Overlapping identities, including race, sex, and disability, intersect with structural oppression to amplify maternal health inequities. This study uses Walker and Avant's 7-step theory analysis, examining origins, meaning, logical adequacy, usefulness, generalizability, parsimony, and testability, to evaluate intersectionality theory in pregnancy health inequities. The analysis shows the model's strengths in capturing complexity while identifying a critical gap: reproductive autonomy. The findings highlight that actual progress toward maternal health equity requires intersectional, autonomy-centered approaches in research, policy, and practice to ensure all pregnant women have the power and resources to make autonomous reproductive choices.