In an article in Essence, Williams explained that black women are more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth because doctors don't take their concerns seriously. She cited her own experience when she requested a CT scan.
After giving birth to her daughter Olympia via an emergency cesarean section, Williams felt short of breath and told a nurse she needed a CT scan. But the nurse did not pursue it. She then told a physician, who ordered the scan, which found several potentially life-threatening blood clots in Williams' lungs.
"Doctors aren't listening to us [black women], just to be quite frank," Williams said in an interview with the BBC. "I was in a really fortunate situation where I know my body well, and I am who I am, and I told the doctor: 'I don't feel right, something's wrong.' She immediately listened. Unfortunately, a lot of African Americans and black people don't have the same experience that I've had."
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A recent graduate from Dominican University (IL) with a bachelor’s in journalism, Melissa joined TriMed’s Chicago team in 2017 covering all aspects of health imaging. She’s a fan of singing and playing guitar, elephants, a good cup of tea, and her golden retriever Cooper.