Our Why & Values

We believe in:

Birth Justice as defined by Black Women Birthing Justice “exists when women and trans folks are empowered during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and postpartum to make healthy decisions for themselves and their babies. Birth Justice is part of a wider movement against reproductive oppression. It aims to dismantle inequalities of race, class, gender, and sexuality that lead to negative birth experiences, especially for women of color, low-income women, survivors of violence, immigrant women, queer and trans folks, and women in the Global South.”

We recognize that many of the issues Black women face in maternal and infant health occur regardless of socioeconomic status or education level.  We define Black as anyone who identifies in the African diaspora including but not limited to African-American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latina. While risk factors are increased in low-income women, the terms are not mutually exclusive.  As an organization, we aim to serve ALL Black women.

Black women are not any less deserving of expert clinical care, support, and resources.  We aim to improve access to and create the resources Black women need to have health outcomes.

Peer support is an invaluable resource to help mothers navigate through the trials and tribulations of motherhood. We believe building the bond of sisterhood strengthens and empowers women and normalizes the parenting process.

Black women have the right to make the decisions that best suit the needs of themselves and their families.  Providing evidence-based resources, choices, and education that are culturally appropriate helps families make more educated decisions about their health care.

Representation matters. We aim to train and hire women from the community to serve their communities.  As a result, we improve health care outcomes and contribute to the economic growth and development of black women.

We are stronger together.  We value working with other organizations that share mutual goals. Aligning our mission with other organizations enhances our work and increases access and support to like communities in need.  We value the mutual sharing of skills and experiences between our organization and our partners.  We believe a more significant impact can be made through collaboration and the sharing of resources.

All healthcare providers should receive ongoing training on cultural humility and implicit bias.  Doing so improves the individual’s self-awareness which over time leads to changes in their interactions with community members thereby improving community relationships. Racism in healthcare will be called out and will not be tolerated.

OUR WHY:

Black women and infants are dying in New Jersey at a rate that is higher than any other race.

We are in a maternal health crisis.

New Jersey’s maternal mortality rate for Black women is more than 7-8 times the national average, but Black mamas in the state are 3.8 times more likely to lose their babies in the first year post-birth than white women. This is the highest racial disparity in infant mortality in the United States.

The cause? The medical system is steeped in racism, failing Black mamas and their care needs. Medical professionals dismiss, and thereby, don’t adequately address the concerns of Black mamas. The data shows the standard of perinatal care is not equitable across racial lines.


Our goal is to reimagine Black maternal health in New Jersey and create a culture where joy and justice coexist. We acknowledge that birthing while Black is scary while simultaneously implementing evidence-based practices to reshape the current narrative that birthing while Black can also be beautiful and joyous. Black mothers and infants should not simply survive pregnancy and childbirth but they receive care that is respectful and dignified and provides them with all the tools and resources necessary to thrive in motherhood.

To eliminate healthcare disparities, we must make equitable care available, accessible, and affordable to Black mamas.

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