Users who responded to the image commended Ibe for his illustration and also touched on why it’s indispensable to have racial diversity in the field of medicine.
“I’ve had two kids and did a module on human development at university and never in my life have I seen a black foetus illustrated,” a user commented. “That needs to change!”
Another user also shared, “I never realized…I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Black foetus illustration in books either.”
“Thank you for this @ebereillustrate. Being pregnant, I’ve become aware of the lack of representation of black pregnancies on apps and many social media pages. It’s sad this is the first time I’ve seen an illustration of a black foetus. Representation matters,” a user also added.
“Can you recall a time when you’ve seen a non-white foetus?” @aus_harmony asked. “Black skin is completely under represented in the medical profession. The bias towards imagery of white & lighter skin tones has huge implications within medical training & the diagnosis of conditions for Black people.”
A GoFundMe has since been set up for Ibe to help raise funds to support him in his “journey as a medical illustrator and a future pediatric neurosurgeon.” Over £24,000 (about $31,000) has so far been raised, surpassing the £15,402 ($20,372) goal.
Take a look at more reactions to the illustration below: