We All Deserve Options: Make Home-birth Accessible

I am Morgan Taylor. A Black woman, mother, partner, and advocate for Black maternal and infant health by profession and passion.  Outside of my full time job, I work as a birth/postpartum doula and yoga practitioner- with every intention to dismantle systems that promote racial and ethnic inequities in perinatal health.  These modalities allow me to focus directly on providing wellness and support to Black birthing people and their families. Too often are they left unseen and unheard in the medical industrial complex. It's a shame we live in a country that allows Black women to be 243% more likely to die from childbirth related causes. Additionally,  over half these deaths and server morbidities, are actually preventable! This means that the extent of quality care a  Black women receives in a hospital setting, can literally become the deciding factor for life or death.

I have spent almost six years learning about system barriers and the various pathways that lead to tragic inequities. IM LITERALLY TIRED! 

Now that I am pregnant with my second child (a blessing), I do my best not to allow the stressful reality of what it means to be black and pregnant in America impact my personal experience.  I am fortunate to have tools and other supports that help to minimize this anxiety and fear, because stress is another major risk factor for poor birth outcomes (SMH). To top that off, there’s  Covid-19, a  pandemic we're all trying to live through. 

This pregnancy has been extremely different. While I understand safety is priority, I'm concerned with the implications that Covid-19 will have on my labor and delivery. Currently, most hospitals restrict anyone outside of the patient to attend routine prenatal visits and limit only one support person during labor and delivery. This becomes problematic especially when having extra eyes and support in the delivery room can reduce birth complications. 


These are very layered  issues that have led my partner Joshua and I to explore home-birth and  Black midwifery as an alternative. This would allow our prenatal visits and labor and delivery to take place in the safety and comfort of our home, eliminating the barrier of  having to chose between my partner and doula and the uncertain experience of the hospital setting. 

However, ANOTHER BARRIER! Our insurance does not cover home-birth as an option. This is the shady reality for most folks who desire home birth as alternative. Our desired birth plan, which could be considered our contingency plan for avoiding tragedy , is unfortunately burdened with an out of pocket expense, that families like myself, realistically can't afford. Let's be clear, midwives and birth-workers deserve to be fully compensated for their work, especially Black midwives and birth-workers who often undercharge services to meet families where they are. Regardless of finances, families shouldn’t have to carry the burden of paying out of pocket, especially when paying into an insurance plan, we deserve options, period! I listen to many black families with less resources -express their grievances, fears and concerns about their care, even more now with covid-19. 

So finally,  here's where I need your help. I'm looking to raise money to fund the home-birth of myself and another black family experiencing these same barriers. 
The funds would  go specifically to https://sistersoulmidwifery.com ,
supporting the only Black home Midwifery business in Boston.  The rate for one family would cost $4850.

Help us break these barriers! Helping ours and another family receive compassionate care during pregnancy and birth will not only positively impact us, it could change the face of our community and our future. 

Thank you!