As the political landscape continues to shift toward intolerance and policies that threaten public health, it is more urgent than ever to center equity in perinatal wellness. The U.S. remains the only industrialized nation where maternal mortality is rising, disproportionately affecting Black and global majority communities (source).
The U.S. faces a maternal health crisis marked by significant racial disparities, with systemic racism and anti-Blackness at its core. Black birthing people experience maternal mortality rates nearly three times higher than their white counterparts. In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 26.6 for non- Hispanic white women (CDC). These disparities are not due to socioeconomic status or health conditions but are deeply rooted in systemic racism within healthcare systems. A 2019 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that Black women are three to four times more likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths than white women (KFF).
At Nurturely, our work is grounded in the belief that every birthing person deserves access to culturally relevant, equitable, inclusive care. Our programs are designed to dismantle the systemic barriers that create disparities in perinatal health, ensuring that all parents and babies thrive. This month, as we highlight one of our core themes Equity in Perinatal Wellness, we’re spotlighting our newly-launched initiative to take this work to the next level: the Perinatal Equity Advocates Program (learn more).
Addressing Systemic Racism in Perinatal Care
The impact of systemic racism extends beyond individual interactions, influencing broader social determinants of health. Black women are more likely to reside in areas with limited access to quality healthcare services, face economic instability, and encounter environmental stressors, all contributing to adverse maternal health outcomes. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes that systemic racism is a key risk factor for maternal death and illness, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to address these entrenched inequities (NIH).
The Perinatal Equity Advocates Certification Program was created to address these injustices by training and supporting a network of leaders who will advocate for anti-racist policies in perinatal care settings. This program provides essential tools for birthworkers, community leaders, and healthcare professionals to challenge white supremacy in healthcare—a mission we proudly reflect in our advocacy and even our merchandise. Our #BabesAgainstWhiteSupremacy onesies – designed by China Tolliver – are more than just a statement; they are a call to action for systemic change starting at birth.
The Political Landscape & The Fight Ahead
The impending political administration has already signaled its intent to roll back public health protections, restrict reproductive rights, and defund DEI efforts. These actions directly impact perinatal health, making grassroots movements like ours more vital than ever. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy reforms, community engagement, and systemic changes within healthcare institutions. Expanding access to quality prenatal and postpartum care, implementing training for healthcare providers, and supporting community- based health initiatives are crucial steps toward achieving equity in perinatal wellness.
At Nurturely, we refuse to stand by as policies threaten the well-being of parents and infants. Through research, education, and direct action, we are building a future where equity is not optional—it’s the standard. Where wellness for infants and caregivers is not a privilege – it’s a human right.
Join the Movement
Now is the time to act. Whether by participating in the Perinatal Equity Advocates Program, supporting our community-driven initiatives, or using your voice to demand better policies, we invite you to be part of the change. Equity in perinatal wellness is not a trend—it is a movement, and it starts with all of us.