Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy related deaths than white women due to socioeconomic, racial and stress factors. The U.S. has the worst maternal health outcomes amongst leading nations. Most of these deaths are preventable}.
KEY TERMS.
Black Mamas — The phrase “BLACK MAMAS” as defined by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance “is used to represent the full diversity of our lived experiences that includes birthing persons (cis women, trans folks, and gender expansive individuals) that are people of African descent across the diaspora (Afro-Latinx, AfricanAmerican, Afro-Caribbean, Black, and African Immigrant).”
Black Maternal Health Week — Created by Black Mamas Matter Alliance it is a week-long campaign, held annually on April 11-17th, to amplify the voice of Black Mamas and center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements.
Maternal Mental Health Month — Month long campaign in May dedicated to highlight and raise awareness for prenatal and postpartum mental health. More than 1 in 5 new mothers meets criteria for a prenatal or postpartum mood disorder.
Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act — Builds on pre existing legislation to provide full spectrum care addressing all areas of the maternal health crisis in the U.S. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes historic policies and investments in Black Mamas, families, and systems of care. Written by and for Black Mamas, the Momnibus invests in community-based organizations and the perinatal workforce, addresses social determinants of health and the effects of climate change, promotes representative Maternal Mortality Review Committees and maternal mental health equity, and more. The Momnibus exemplifies centering and investing in Blackled, community-based organizations whose work is deeply rooted in the reproductive justice, birth justice, and human rights frameworks
HOW TO PARTICIPATE.
Join us on May 13th, 2023 — For a mother's day weekend brunch experience to build awareness around birth justice. Momnibus and womb justice. Hosted in partnership by the Cultural Engagement Lab and Reina (Las Guerreras Kitchen), this event seeks to advocate for the passage of critical Maternal Health legislation in alignment with Maternal Health Month, and our Gender Justice and Health Equity Program. Eventbrite Signup
Watch and Share
Amplify: Autonomy is My Joy Digital Toolkit (Coming Soon!)