Dear Friend,

Modern manifestations of white supremacy are apparent in the racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy, birth, and post-partum care -- maternal health. Black women are most disproportionately impacted with a mortality rate of 37.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 14.7 deaths per 100,000 live births and 11.8 deaths per 100,000 live births for White and Hispanic women. Maternal health is central to the core tenets of Reproductive Justice. 

These disparities that exist in pregnancy-related deaths have continuously increased now two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC states that 60% of all maternal deaths are preventable. We know that Black interventions, like doulas and community care, save Black lives.

This week is Black Maternal Health Week. You can follow along the #BlackMaternalHealthWeek hashtag to learn more throughout this week.

Black Maternal Health Week, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), seeks to educate folks about these disparities, advocating for the wellbeing of Black Mamas*.

* BMMA uses the phrase "Black Mamas” 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, African American, Afro- Caribbean, Black, and African Immigrant).

BMMA reminds us that existing disparities are deeply rooted in racial and reproductive oppression which seek to control Black liberation.

Far too often, Black mamas are denied their right to be seen as individuals– denied their humanity, softness, and vulnerability– and reduced to racist stereotypes. At URGE, we are committed to appreciating the fullness of Black mamas and to fighting for their right to bias-free maternal health care.

Thanks for tuning in!

In Solidarity,

Kenyetta Whitfield (she/her)

URGE Communications Manager