Our Commitment

Healthy Birth Day, Inc., was founded on the belief that stillbirths and poor birth outcomes can be preventable.

Reaching Those Most at Risk of Losing a Baby to Stillbirth

We believe knowledge is power, and when we make the world a safer place for reproductive and maternal health care, everyone wins. We have an intentional focus to reduce the racial disparities affecting Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic or Latino, and Indigenous expectant parents and their pregnancies.

To Healthy Birth Day, health equity is defined as accessible and responsive healthcare treatment and resources for a person regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, medical history, or socioeconomic status.

Our immediate goal is to address the disproportionately high rate of stillbirth affecting Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Black families. To improve these outcomes we are committed to growing in our understanding of effective, evidence-based prevention strategies, to breaking down systemic maternal and reproductive health care barriers and biases, and to connecting and collaborating with clinical and community allies to work hand in hand in creating change.

Our ultimate goal is to make meaningful, sustainable, and systemic change that will lead to a world where the impacts of racism, discrimination, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare are no longer predictors of stillbirth.

Who is most at risk of losing a baby to stillbirth? [Source]

• A disproportionate number of babies are born still to Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native families. According to the CDC:
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander pregnancies have a 1 in 97 chance of ending in stillbirth.
  • Black pregnancies have a 1 in 100 chance of ending in stillbirth.
  • American Indian or Alaska Native pregnancies have a 1 in 139 chance of ending in stillbirth.
  • Hispanic pregnancies have a 1 in 216 chance of ending in stillbirth.
  • White pregnancies have a 1 in 223 chance of ending in stillbirth.
  • Asian pregnancies have a 1 in 270 chance of ending in stillbirth.

What factors contribute to racial disparities in stillbirth?

Research shows that there are a lot of contributing factors to the racial health disparities in stillbirth. Researchers point to the following as causes for the disparities:

• Structural Racism
• Barriers to healthcare
• Socioeconomic barriers
• Toxic stress
• Conditions that disproportionately affect all Women of Color
• Genetic factors
• Research shows education is NOT a determining factor. A college-educated Black woman is still more likely to lose her baby than a high school-educated White woman. [Source]

Help Us Improve Birth Outcomes

We can all be part of the solution to address racial disparities that persist in birth outcomes. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a birth worker, or a community member, you can be part of the change by leaving your biases at the door.

Recognition is the first step to addressing this issue. The next step making the decision to do something to correct it. Whether it’s within you, a co-worker, or something you have identified within your organization. Be the VOICE to speak up and address the misinformation, racism, or bias you see that could impact the care a patient receives.

You can also:

• Educate expectant parents on the importance of kick counting in the third trimester.
• Encourage expectant parents to speak up if they notice a change in their baby’s movements.
• Elevate the stories and voices of marginalized communities.
• Attend a training on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Advocate for systems change surrounding reduced fetal movement and prenatal care.
• Encourage healthcare providers to utilize inclusive brochures and materials.
• Educate others. Now that you know, share what you’ve learned with colleagues and friends.