Honoring Black Maternal Health Week

A Call for Equity and Respect in Reproductive Care
By Jessica M. Brown, DNP, MS, RN, CNM – Midwife, St. Joseph’s Health

Historically, Black maternal health has faced disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality in reproductive health compared to other races. Research continues to show that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) regrettably grapple with systemic and structural racism, implicit bias, medical racism, and limited access to respectful reproductive health care.

I want to introduce Black Maternal Health Week exuberantly. Black Maternal Health Week was first established in 2021 and takes place each year from April 11th to the 17th. It was created by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), a nationally recognized organization founded on the advancement of Black maternal health, reproductive justice, and the support of Black women-led maternal health organizations and movements. This observance was intentionally placed during National Minority Health Month (April) and begins on the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights (April 11th).

Mitigating these alarming rates of Black maternal morbidity and mortality in reproductive health starts at the community level. We must continue to spread awareness and work toward monumental legislative changes worldwide. Addressing this ongoing crisis includes identifying implicit bias and systemic and structural racism, increasing awareness of socioeconomic inequalities, and ensuring access to culturally competent reproductive healthcare that is grounded in evidence-based research.

At St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, our Primary Care OB-GYN respectfully serves diverse communities. Offering shared decision-making, advocacy for reproductive autonomy, and culturally competent and respectful maternity care are foundational to our healthcare approach. Racially concordant care is also available at St. Joseph’s Health. Research shows that having a provider who shares the same race or ethnicity can foster a more positive healthcare experience through trust, improved communication, cultural understanding, and improved reproductive health outcomes.

I am proud to serve as the only Black midwife currently practicing in this area. Representation matters, and for many patients, having access to a provider who reflects their lived experience can make a meaningful difference in their care.

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To schedule an appointment for midwifery care, please call 315.703.5200.