These Women are Centering Hope Fighting for Better Maternal Health

Black women are three times more likely to die during birth than white women. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Pregnancy and delivery have proven to be risky for Black families in the United States since the government began tracking it in the 1930s.

Though the statistical probability for complicated pregnancies remains dismal, much has been done to create a more favorable landscape for Black maternal health. The problem is many aren’t aware of the progress because it’s routinely overshadowed by trauma porn for the sake of awareness. As a result, many Black women are robbed of any joy and instead have it replaced with the fear that their pregnancy journey will be nothing but traumatic.

Yes, there is room for improvement when it comes to maternal health in the United States. However, statistics saying that Black women are more likely to have a complicated birth experience does not mean it’s guaranteed to happen. Within the pool of families with traumatic birth experiences are Black families who can look back on their pregnancy fondly.

Here are five leading women who are advocating for change but leading with hope as they push to improve maternal health.

1. Tatyana Ali – Tatyana Ali went from bringing joy into households as a child actress on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, to wrapping each baby bundle in “joy” with her handsewn creations in the spirit of reproductive justice. After a traumatic birth experience, she committed to creating a quilt collection lovingly called Baby-Yams, centered on unity, peace, and strength. A portion of each sale is donated to support Black and Indigenous birth workers. 

2. Kimberly Seals Allers – Finding doctors likely to grant you a positive pregnancy can feel like finding a unicorn. Kimberly Seals Allers was determined to make the process easier by creating an app centering the voices of Brown and Black birthing individuals. Expectant families can search reviews left by other mothers making it easier for them to find medical professionals dedicated to creating safe environments.

3. Elaine Welteroth – It’s no surprise that access to safe birth is simply not in reach for many Black expectant families. Elaine Welteroth experienced it firsthand as she struggled to find a hospital that made her feel safe during her pregnancy. Just as she was losing hope about the possibility of a positive experience, a Black-owned birthing center changed her perspective, she explained in an article for Time Magazine.

Following that experience, the author and journalist, created the BirthFund to help Black families gain access to midwives for support throughout pregnancy.

4. Jaye Wilson – Beyond delivery, motherhood can be an isolating experience. After several years in the medical field witnessing the state of maternal health first-hand, she became determined to champion change. Through the inception of the organization Melinated Moms, she has ensured that moms feel supported during pregnancy through fervent advocacy efforts in NJ as well as hosting community events, connecting moms to resources, and chats with experts.