Our Commitment

At Healthy Birth Day, Inc. we are striving to get to the point that race is no longer a predictor of stillbirth.

Reaching Those Most at Risk of Losing a Baby to Stillbirth

Black women are two times more likely to experience a stillbirth than White women. We believe this is unacceptable, and we are working to address the disparities that exist and persist in maternal health care. We want to get to the point that race is no longer a predictor of stillbirth.

Here are a few of the ways we are working to address disparities in birth outcomes:

1. Looking at the facts and educating our team and partners on why there are such large disparities and what we can do as an organization to address these disparities
2. Ensuring our entire staff and Board is trained in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
3. Centering our work around communities of color and elevating the voices of individuals of color
4. Ensuring our educational materials and resources are culturally competent

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

• A disproportionate number of babies are born still to African American, Hispanic and Native American women. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) …
  •  a pregnant Black woman has a 1 in 96 chance of losing a baby.
  • a pregnant Indigenous woman has a 1 in 138 chance of losing a baby to stillbirth.
  • a pregnant Hispanic woman has a 1 in 199 chance of losing a baby to stillbirth.
  • a pregnant White woman has a 1 in 204 chance of losing a baby to stillbirth.
  •  a pregnant Asian Pacific Islander woman has a 1 in 233 chance of losing a baby to 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:

• Racism
• Epigenetics
• Predisposition to certain health conditions that may lead to stillbirth
• Access to healthcare
• Socioeconomic barriers
• 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]

What can YOU do?

YOU CAN …

Leave 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 is within you or something you’ve identified within the Health Care System you work in. 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 identify potential best practices, such as:

• Listen to expectant parents.
• Be empathetic.
• Advocate for specific protocols surrounding reduced fetal movement.
• Ensure the media and brochures your office has include a representation for people of color.
• Educate others. Now that you know, share what you’ve learned with colleagues and friends.