“Building for Liberation: Centering Black Mamas, Black Families and Black Systems of Care”
This the FIFTH annual national Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) campaign, founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance! Officially recognized by the White House in April 2021, this week is intended to bring attention to Black maternal health in the United States.
This year’s Black Maternal Health Week theme is:
“Building for Liberation: Centering Black Mamas, Black Families and Black Systems of Care”, reflects BMMA’s work in centering Black women’s scholarship, maternity care work, and advocacy across the full-spectrum of sexual, maternal, and reproductive health care, services, programs, and initiatives. Additionally, the 2022 theme reflects the critical need for learning about Black Feminist and womanist approaches in strengthening wellness structures within our communities, across the Diaspora, as a revolutionary act in the pursuit of liberation and in the global fight to END maternal mortality.
Some Startling Facts
Every year, nearly 700 women die in the U.S. as a result of pregnancy or its complications. (Source: CDC)
Black women over the age of 30 are 4 to 5 times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. (Source: CDC)
Women of color are more likely to experience postpartum mental illness but are less likely to receive treatment. (Source: Keefe, Brownstein-Evans, & Rouland Polmateer, 2016)
Many black women lack access to quality contraceptive care and counseling. (Source: Prather et al., 2018)
Women of color are more likely to experience mistreatment or disrespect in maternity care than white women. (Source: Vedam et al., 2019).
How to Get Involved
Black Maternal Health Week shines a light on these issues in an effort to further the conversation. We encourage you to take part in these events:
Tuesday, April 12th | 12 – 2 P.M. EST
Southeast Regional Black Maternal Health Symposium REGISTER
Wednesday, April 13th | 1 – 2 P.M. EST
Policy Leaders in Conversation during #BMHW22 REGISTER
Wednesday, April 13th | 3:30 P.M. EST
#BMHW22 Tweet Chat
Follow us on Twitter: @blkmamasmatter to engage with us during #BMHW22
Thursday, April 14th
Annual Fundraising Day DONATE
Friday, April 15th | 2 – 3 P.M. EST
BMH x CLTR: NATAL Fireside Chat REGISTER
Saturday, April 16th
Centering Black Families: BMMA x SisterSong Black Maternal Health Walk REGISTER
Sunday, April 17th
Get to Know the Alliance Spotlight Campaign
Have you shared stories or checked in on your Black pregnant or postpartum mom pals? We all truly need one another!
