For decades, BIPOC communities have endured deep and painful health disparities especially during one of the most vulnerable times in life: childbirth. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a national crisis rooted in unequal access to care. Far too often, Black women face barriers like unaffordable health care, lack of transportation, and gaps in insurance coverage. These obstacles make it difficult to attend prenatal checkups, ask questions, or receive early intervention factors that can be the difference between life and death.
But the problem goes beyond access. It’s also about trust or rather, the lack of it. Due to a long history of structural racism and medical abuse, many BIPOC women have every reason to approach the healthcare system with caution. The story of Henrietta Lacks whose cells were taken without consent and used for scientific research is still felt by many Black women today. So is the trauma of Madrigal v. Quilligan (1978), when Mexican American women were coerced into sterilization at a Los Angeles hospital. These violations weren’t ancient history; they were recent enough to live in the memories of mothers, aunties, and grandmothers. And they’ve fueled a deep sense of mistrust that’s passed down across generations.
For undocumented BIPOC women, that fear is even greater. Many avoid hospitals and clinics altogether out of fear of deportation, language barriers, or simply not having insurance. Imagine being pregnant and afraid to seek care—not because you don’t want it, but because the system makes you feel unwelcome or unsafe. As Thorpe et al. (2021) explain, “This mistrust is compounded by underrepresentation of these groups in healthcare leadership and among providers, which further limits culturally competent care” (p. 3). When care isn’t designed with your identity or needs in mind, it’s not just inadequate—it can be dangerous.
Mental Health in the Peripartum and Postpartum Period
Motherhood is often painted as a joyful experience, a time filled with love and bonding, but for many mothers, especially those from BIPOC communities, the reality is far from the picture-perfect image we often see. The peripartum and postpartum periods are full of challenges, including feelings of anxiety, fear, and isolation. First-time mothers, young mothers, or those without a strong support system can feel the weight of this new responsibility on their shoulders. Between sleepless nights, constant feedings, and the emotional rollercoaster of a life-changing transition, it’s no wonder that many new moms feel overwhelmed and uncertain.
At prenatal checkups, many doctors ask, “How are you feeling?” But for many women of color, especially those already juggling the stress of daily life, answering that question honestly can be terrifying. The fear of being labeled as “unfit” or having their child taken away by child protective services (CPS) keeps many mothers from speaking up. Byrnes and Chopra (2021) capture this fear, stating, “Many mothers, particularly those from marginalized communities, hesitate to disclose symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety due to fear of being reported to child protective services. This fear is especially heightened among low-income women and women of color, contributing to underdiagnosis and a lack of treatment.” This fear of losing their child, a fear deeply rooted in historical and systemic inequities, silences many mothers, even when they are struggling.
This fear isn’t just a worry it’s a real and painful concern for many. The idea that seeking help could lead to losing their child often prevents mothers from reaching out for the support they need. As Hughes and Forrester (2020) explain, “The fear of child welfare involvement is a significant barrier to seeking help for mental health issues, particularly for mothers from marginalized communities who already face systemic inequities. Many mothers, especially Black and Latina women, report a deep fear that disclosing their mental health struggles will lead to the removal of their children, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and mistrust of social services.” For these mothers, asking for help isn’t just about addressing mental health, it’s about the very real threat of losing everything they hold dear, leaving them to suffer alone in silence.
Medical Racism in Education and the Rise of Black and Brown Birth Workers
In medical schools across the country, outdated and racially biased concepts still influence how future doctors are trained. These aren’t always obvious, sometimes they show up subtly in textbooks or are passed down generations of training. For example, myths like “Black people feel less pain,” “have thicker skin,” or “stronger bones” still shape treatment decisions today. These false beliefs are more than just ignorant, they’re dangerous. They contribute to Black and Brown women being denied adequate pain relief during labor or having their symptoms often dismissed altogether. Even global icons like Serena Williams and Beyoncé have shared their traumatic childbirth experiences proof that no amount of fame or wealth protects BIPOC women from systemic inequality.
These issues begin in education, where culturally competent care is too often treated as optional. Textbooks rarely reflect the lived experiences of BIPOC patients. They overlook the importance of understanding cultural traditions, and how language barriers impact health outcomes. As Huang et al. (2021) explain, “Asian American women are often perceived as a monolithic group and are overlooked in maternal health research and practice. Cultural assumptions and language barriers contribute to inadequate prenatal and postpartum care, with Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander women experiencing disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and limited access to culturally competent care” (p. 315). This shows how even within the broader BIPOC umbrella, communities are uniquely affected and often erased from the narrative.
But amidst these inequities, a powerful movement is growing: the rise of Black and Brown birth workers. Doulas, midwives, and culturally aligned caregivers are stepping up often because they’ve lived these disparities themselves. They offer something the medical system rarely provides holistic, culturally affirming support. When BIPOC birthing people are cared for by someone who shares their background or understands their community, outcomes improve across the board. Research shows lower rates of C-sections, fewer preterm births, and significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality. One 2017 study published in Birth found that continuous support from a doula reduced the chance of C-section by 39% and increased satisfaction with the birth experience (Bohren et al., 2017).
Still, these life-saving professionals face significant barriers. Licensing and certification requirements often exclude those trained through traditional or community-rooted models. Insurance reimbursement, especially under Medicaid, is so low in many states that it’s nearly impossible for doulas and midwives to sustain their practice leading to many people not utilizing these services. Along with these issues in hospitals these practitioners are too often dismissed or kept out of the care team entirely. “We do this work because we love our people,” says Rosa, a community midwife. “But we’re always fighting to be taken seriously, fighting just to do what we know saves lives.”
That’s because birth workers operate from a holistic health framework, something the U.S. healthcare system desperately needs. They care for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. From honoring cultural birth rituals to supporting mental health and emotional well-being, their approach is rooted in connection. As Leilani, a Filipina mom, shared, “When my doula lit sage and reminded me to breathe, I felt like I wasn’t just having a baby I was becoming a mother.” These birth workers offer continuous, relational care that extends beyond checklists and procedures. They are restoring dignity to the birthing experience and reclaiming it as a space of joy, community, and power.
How to stay Updated on Changes to Policy and How to Advocate for Healthcare
1. Subscribe to Newsletters and Journals Focused on Maternal Health
- Maternal Health Organizations: Subscribe to newsletters and updates from organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance, SisterSong, and National Partnership for Women & Families. These organizations regularly provide insights on maternal health policies, research, and grassroots advocacy.
- Academic and Health Policy Journals: Read journals such as Health Affairs, Journal of Women’s Health, and Maternal and Child Health Journal for research articles and policy papers on maternal mortality and health disparities, especially those affecting BIPOC populations.
- Public Health Reports: Regularly check updates from public health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which frequently publish reports on maternal health outcomes, including data on maternal mortality rates for Black and Brown women.
2. Monitor Legislative and Policy Changes
- Track Legislation Related to Maternal Health: Use platforms like GovTrack or Congress.gov to track bills related to maternal health, such as those addressing maternal mortality, Medicaid expansion, or healthcare access for BIPOC communities. Legislative updates can give you a clearer understanding of how policies are evolving to address these disparities.
- Watch for State-Level Policy Changes: In addition to federal policy changes, keep an eye on state-level bills that could affect maternal health, especially policies related to Medicaid access for pregnant women or maternal health programs aimed at BIPOC populations. Some states have unique programs or funding streams to address maternal health disparities.
- Policy Briefs from Advocacy Organizations: Many organizations produce policy briefs and reports that explain how current legislation impacts maternal health for BIPOC communities. These are key resources to understand the current landscape of maternal health policy.
3. Follow Social Media and Online Platforms
- Engage with Thought Leaders and Advocacy Groups on social media: Follow organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance, SisterSong, and National Nurses United (NNU) on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay informed about real-time policy updates, activism efforts, and news related to maternal health disparities.
- Use Hashtags to Stay Updated: Keep up with important discussions by following hashtags like #BlackMaternalHealth, #MaternalMortality, and #ReproductiveJustice. These hashtags often provide valuable information, including policy discussions, advocacy efforts, and real-time updates on changes affecting maternal health for BIPOC women.
4. Join Advocacy Networks Focused on Maternal Health
- Community-Based Advocacy Groups: Become involved in local or national advocacy groups that focus on maternal health and racial disparities in healthcare, such as the Black Mamas Matter Alliance or The National Birth Equity Collaborative. These organizations often provide tools, resources, and updates on maternal health policies.
- Join Coalitions Fighting for Reproductive Justice: Connect with coalitions like SisterSong, which advocates for reproductive justice, including addressing maternal mortality among Black and Brown women. They often provide resources and action items to help advocate for policy change.
- Workshops and Webinars: Participate in webinars or workshops hosted by these organizations, which can deepen your understanding of maternal health disparities and provide actionable strategies for policy advocacy.
5. Attend Conferences and Webinars on Maternal Health Equity
- Maternal Health Conferences: Attend national conferences such as the National Summit on Black Maternal Health or the Reproductive Justice Conference, where healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocates gather to discuss maternal health disparities and share strategies for policy change.
- Webinars on Healthcare Disparities: Many organizations host webinars that focus specifically on maternal health and healthcare disparities. These events often feature experts who provide updates on maternal mortality rates, particularly for BIPOC communities, and discuss ongoing efforts to address these disparities.
- for doulas and midwives in underserved areas. These professionals are critical in improving outcomes for Black and Brown mothers during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
Sources:
Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Birth, 44(4), 399–401. https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12303
Byrnes, M. E., & Chopra, A. (2020). Barriers to maternal mental health care: Disparities, stigma, and fear. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 24(2), 145–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-019-02848-2
Huang, K., Subramaniam, A., & Palaniappan, L. (2021). Addressing maternal health disparities among Asian American populations: An urgent call for disaggregated data and culturally competent care. Women’s Health Issues, 31(4), 313–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2021.05.002
Thorpe, L., Parra, E., & Brown, A. (2021). Centering equity: Reproductive justice and systemic change in healthcare. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 14(2), 1–10.
About the Author
Egyptsheanna Lundy is a Blogger for South Project. Based in San Francisco, she holds a B.S. in Communication Studies with a minor in Public Relations. With a solid background in policy advocacy and social media management, Egyptsheanna has focused her career on educational advancement, community engagement, and social justice. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work, she is deeply passionate about advocating for BIPOC maternal mental health and its intersection with social justice. Her commitment to leadership development and grassroots organizing aligns seamlessly with South Project’s mission to advance social and economic justice through community-driven initiatives.