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Black Lives Matter in Birth

Because Black women are 3 to 5 times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than white women...

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Because Black women are incarcerated at nearly 3 times the rate of white women, and many give birth behind bars...

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Because one in four Black girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18, and these girls grow up to have their own babies and have to face that trauma again...

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Because Black women are paid 61 cents for every dollar paid to their white male counterparts...

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...we stand with #BlackLivesMatter.

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...we stand against obstetric coercion and obstetric violence in all forms.


...we stand against a medical industry that victimizes Black Americans.


...we stand for racial equity in employment, healthcare, and all aspects of life.
 

Action Items

For almost two decades, medical literature has documented the appalling health disparities for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) during the childbearing year. Legislators and healthcare providers alike are aware of the seriousness of this crisis, and yet shockingly little has been done to change the healthcare landscape that perpetuates these poor outcomes.

 

There is no excuse for ignorance or inaction! It is well past time to support and uplift the voices of our BIPOC community members. We call on all of our clients and supporters to take an active roll in helping to promote racial equity in birth and in all aspects of life. 

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Make a donation: 

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Actively engage in anti-racism: 

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For those new to anti-racist work, one of the first resources we suggest is this compilation of anti-racism resources. From “I don’t see color” to “It’s not my fault I’m white” to “How can I be white and anti-racist?” it’s organized by the stage of your journey. Where do you fall on this list? Thank you for learning with us.

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Contact your governor or mayor: 

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Write a letter or statement: 

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  • Demand better oversight in the medical institution! Demand maternal health task forces! Demand and end to racial and ethnic inequities! We have previously shared our July 2019 letter, and letters from our colleagues [here] [here] and [suppressed], speaking out against inequities at a local area hospital. If you are willing to share a birth story and/or statement emphasizing why equity in birth must be protected, you can email info@family-ways.com and we will help you navigate where to direct your correspondence. 

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Racial Disparities in Maternal Healthcare

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A gentle sampling of research on this subject: 

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