As part of #BlackMaternalHealthWeek , I joined the Birth in Color RVA annual Black Maternal Health Summit to discuss the landscape for reproductive freedom in Virginia and across the nation.

#BMHW23

We’re celebrating Black autonomy and joy during #BlackMaternalHealthWeek , lifting up the voices of Black women and birthing people. #BMHW23

We don’t want to just talk the talk, we want to walk the walk.

The Shapiro-Davis budget invests $2.3 million to expand maternal health programming and study ways to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

#BlackMaternalHealthWeek #BMHW23

Black people are dying at 3x the rate of white people from preventable pregnancy complications.

We must champion policies that invest in the health and well-being of Black parents and children. #BMHW23

It’s crucial to take the information we’ve learned this week from Black mothers and birthing people and address the disparities, racism and bias in our healthcare system.

We STILL have healthcare disparities in Pennsylvania that shouldn’t exist.

#BMHW23

Watch as #QueenCollective premieres “Bone Black: Midwives vs. the South” on BET at 10/9c PM TOMORROW during Black Maternal Health Week and presented by Pampers. #BMHW23

This is the story of Bridgette Turner and her daughter, who needed four blood transfusions after being born at just 29 weeks old. This #BMHW23 , we hope it inspires you to learn more about maternal health in the Black community and how blood transfusions can help save lives.

As we recognize #BlackMaternalHealthWeek , let's prioritize policies that empower Black women to experience pregnancy and childbirth with joy, autonomy, and dignity.

NYS has the opportunity to expand doula care and other healthcare initiatives. #BMHW23

Wow what a powerful #BlackMaternalHealthWeek Day at the Capitol at at our press conference with Second Lady Blayre Davis, Dr. @AlaStanford, Rep. Gina H. Curry Co-Chair of @PAWomensHealthCaucus, @OnceAPreemie & Gillian Sumpter!

#repmayes #bmhw23 #blackmamasmatter #blackmaternalhealth

By decreasing the likelihood for complications, the presence of a doula can improve outcomes for those most at risk. We must invest in doula care if we want to reduce the maternal mortality rate for Black birthing parents. #BMHW23

WeTestify is joining Black Mamas Matter Alliance to celebrate Black Maternal Health Week by centering Black women’s scholarship, maternity and reproductive care work, and advocacy. Learn more at blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw #BMHW23

As we close #BMHW23 , we want to commemorate the power and cultural-transformation that Black birthing people have cultivated. We demand a world where all Black people get to experience the embodied reality of RJ, where safety, autonomy, and care are inherent to our existence!

Made it back to #Pittsburgh in time for Healthy Start, Inc. Black Birth Expo for #BlackMaternalHealthWeek !

If you missed it, you missed out cute babies, great speakers & local vendors.

Grateful I can participate in #BMHW23 at home & in the Capitol!

#repmayes #blackmamasmatter

In honor of #BMHW23 we’re highlighting Roots Community Birth Center. Last week, we were thrilled to give Roots a $600K check to help expand their inspirational model of compassionate, culturally-centered care driven by the mission of reducing BIPOC maternal mortality rates.

At the end of #BMHW23 , we came together to create a sanctuary of healing, resistance, and joy at Rise Up for RJ. Thank you to Director and Curator, vickie washington, and Visual Artistic Director and Curator, classi nance, for uplifting Black storytellers through powerful art.

This is Black Maternal Health Week and #coleg remains committed to advancing a health care system that delivers equity and safety for all Colorado mothers and their families. #BMHW23 #copolitics

Early detection of #highbloodpressure in #pregnancy using a home BP cuff prevents delays in care. We join with provider partners to ensure every patient knows how to #CheckKnowShare their #BP numbers with the Cuff Kit! Learn more: preeclampsia.org/the-cuff-proje… #BMHW23

Black mothers in our communities face higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. We must invest in fact-based solutions like maternal mental health, doulas, and more to ensure everyone receives the care and support they deserve before, during, and after birth. #BMHW23

Covid-19 illuminated maternal mortality rates, Black women were most disproportionately affected with rate of 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 19.1 deaths per 100,000 live births for White women.

#BMHW23