April 11-17 is recognized as Black Maternal Health Week. Across socioeconomic statuses, Black mothers have the highest maternal and infant mortality rate. With the increased restrictions on access to abortion and the criminalization of pregnancy loss, it’s more imperative now than ever, that we continue sounding the alarm on this crisis. Did you know that 4 out of 5 pregnancy-related deaths are preventable? (Source: Health Resources & Service Administration, the Maternal & Child Health Bureau).

Achieving maternal health justice doesn’t end at childbirth. As Black birthing people present higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other challenges, such as trauma and chronic stress, it’s important that maternal health care extends long after the postpartum period has ended.

In partnership with New York Women’s Foundation, two of our parents and staff, Halimah, and Naashia, spoke out about Black maternal health and the importance of peer support networks to help alleviate some of the symptoms.

You can watch the video at @nywomensfdn.