Maternal health doesn't begin when a person becomes pregnant. And it doesn't end when the pregnancy is over.

Maternal health is more than the care received in a doctor's office, although that care is critical. Maternal health is knowing you're receiving the best possible care, knowing your child is healthy and loved, and knowing your race will not jeopardize your medical treatment or health outcome.

This week is Black Maternal Health Week — an observance launched by Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018 to raise awareness of the staggering rates of Black maternal mortality. It's a time to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health, amplify community-driven policy and care solutions, and above all, focus on the voices of Black women, families, and stakeholders.

This Black Maternal Health Week, Planned Parenthood is calling on our supporters to uplift the very people who lead and support communities every single day.

Donate now to five incredible organizations committed to advancing Black maternal health this week and every day. Your gift will be split among all five organizations:

• Black Mamas Matter Alliance
• Mothering Justice
• Elephant Circle
• In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda
• National Birth Equity Collaborative

Black mothers often lack access to health care and education services needed to ensure healthy birth outcomes. True maternal freedom, justice, and health can be achieved only through advancements in public policy and structural changes in the medical infrastructure.

Supporting Black-led organizations this Black Maternal Health Week is one of the best ways to offer direct support to activists on the ground in their communities working to improve Black maternal health outcomes.

As we celebrate the critical roles of Black mothers, role models, and caregivers, we must also keep in mind that systemic racism causes serious harm for future, expecting, and existing Black mothers. Studies show that systemic racism in this country negatively impacts the mental and physical health of Black mothers and pregnant people.

Make a donation to advance the maternal care of Black people everywhere. Your gift will be equally distributed among these five organizations.

Thanks for showing your support.

To Black Maternal Health Week,