Healthy Birth Day, Inc., was founded on the belief that stillbirths and poor birth outcomes can be preventable.
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 Black, Brown, Asian and Indigenous expectant parents and their pregnancies.
To Healthy Birth Day, health equity is defined as accessible healthcare treatment and resources for a person regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability or financial status.
Our immediate goal is to address the disproportionately high rate of stillbirth affecting Black families. We are working to replicate the 39% stillbirth rate reduction achieved in Iowa among this demographic on a nationwide scale, and are aggressively focused on continuing to close the gap in Iowa. To improve these outcomes we are committed to grow in our understanding of prevention strategies, to break down systemic maternal and reproductive health care barriers and biases, and to actively recruit and connect with medical and community allies to walk alongside our organization’s priorities.
Our ultimate goal is to make meaningful, sustainable and systemic change that will lead to a world where the impact of racism, socioeconomic status and access to healthcare is no longer a predictor of stillbirth.
Who is most at risk of losing a baby to stillbirth? [Source]
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:
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:
In conjunction with Black Maternal Mental Health Week, Healthy Birth Day, Inc., Count the Kicks, and MercyOne hosted a panel discussion to continue the conversation on The State of Black Maternal Health in the U.S., with a specific focus on Black Maternal Mental Health.
Panelists include:
A recording of the presentation and a panel discussion on ways we can work together to improve maternal mental health outcomes for Black expectant parents is available.
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