Birth Justice for Black Women

Birth Justice as defined by Black Women Birthing Justice “exists when women and transfolks 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 transfolks, and women in the Global South.”

Black does not mean low income

We recognize that the 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 that identifies on 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 deserve health equity

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.

Motherhood through Sistahhood

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

Informed decision making leads to better outcomes

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 is culturally appropriate helps families make more educated decisions about their health care.

For the community by the community

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.

Collaboration and partnerships

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.

Implicit bias and racism lead to poor outcomes

All health care providers should receive ongoing training on cultural humility and implicit bias.  Doing so improves the individuals self-awareness which overtime 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.