Birth Equity Fund For Black Families

Racism and white supremacy are actively harming Black and Brown people and reflected directly in the rates of Black Maternal and Infant Mortality rates in the US. The CDC reports that Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women – and this disparity increases with age and physical location. These outcomes are a direct reflection of systemic racism and implicit bias in the healthcare system. We believe in accountability and accessibility through our actions. As humans and health care workers, we are committed to addressing systemic racism both internally and in health care. We humbly acknowledge our ability to practice Midwifery care in the US today is because it was preserved and practiced by the Black "Grannie" or "Grand" Midwives in the South who were forced out of their profession by a racist health care system. In homage of these Grand Midwives we offer a birth equity fund to provide accessible midwifery care for Black families. This fund is available on a first come first serve basis. It provides a safe out-of-hospital birth option through an empowered health care model. Midwifery care is not covered by all health insurance plans or Medi-Cal, creating a financial barrier to access midwifery care. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Movement and Black Births Matter movement and are grateful for your support in creating an equitable birth fund.