Black led reproductive justice and Maternal health organizations
This was made by black mammas matter alliance. https://blackmamasmatter.org/
Systemic racism exists deeply within our healthcare systems, medical education, and the history of OB care. James Maron Sims discovered the practice of OB care in the 19th century. He performed unmedicated, without anesthesia, medical procedures on enslaved black women. Most of OB care is still based on the findings of J. Maron Sims in a field dominated by smart women and women of color how is this even possible?
Today there are many black led maternal and child health organizations that are filling the gaps that OB care has created. They lead with the black community in mind, and provide critical culturally appropriate support.
Black lives matter is imbedded within all systems. Black moms are 4x more likely to die during childbirth due to systemic racism.
Below are some of my favorite black led organizations serving black families and birthing people both nationally and here in the Pacific Northwest:
National Organizations
Sister Song https://www.sistersong.net/ Sister Song defined what reproductive justice is and defined “SisterSong defines Reproductive Justice as the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.
SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective was formed in 1997 by 16 organizations of women of color from four mini-communities (Native American, African American, Latina, and Asian American) who recognized that we have the right and responsibility to represent ourselves and our communities, and the equally compelling need to advance the perspectives and needs of women of color.
Black Mammas Matter Alliance https://blackmamasmatter.org/
Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance. We center Black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.
Mamatoto Village https://www.mamatotovillage.org/
Mamatoto Village is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to creating career pathways for Women of Color in the field of public health and human services; and providing accessible perinatal support services designed to empower women with the necessary tools to make the most informed decisions in their maternity care, their parenting, and their lives.
Groundswell fund https://groundswellfund.org/
Groundswell Fund supports a stronger, more effective U.S. movement for reproductive justice by mobilizing new funding and capacity building resources to grassroots organizing and policy change efforts led by low income women, women of color and transgender people.
Uzazi Village http://www.uzazivillage.org/
Centering Black and Brown families in maternal infant health
For every family, a healthy baby;
For every baby, a healthy village
Local PNW organizations
Global Perinatal Services https://www.globalperinatal.org/
Our mission is to provide community based doula services that will educate, respect and empower low-income, refugee and immigrant women and their families during pregnancy, birth and into early parenting.
Whole Body Pregnancy https://www.wholebodypregnancy.com/
Whole Body Pregnancy is an honoring and celebration of the holistic connection between mind, body and spirit during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. It’s about setting intention, honest conversation with self, and stepping into your power. I am humbled and grateful that pregnant people have asked me to join them on this journey for nearly 7 years! I am proud to serve LGBTQIA families, couples and single folks, older pregnant people, people for whom English is their second language, undocumented folks, and any pregnant persons wanting loving kindness and care on their journey.
Rokea Jones rokea.the.doula@gmail.com
Rokea Jones is a local black doula (and my doula) but also an advocate for black maternal health. She is the founder and owner of Mammas Wellness and Advocacy. Rokea is on the Seattle Women’s Commission and has held several events locally focused on educating and elevating Black Maternal Health
Black Birth and Families of WA
A new innovative initiative focusing on black birth workers and supporting black families in Washington State. For more information email Bre Davis brethedoula@gmail.com
Rainier Valley Midwives https://www.rv-cc.org/
*NOTE RVM is not black led however, they serve black families and are one of the only POC led midwifery practices in Seattle*
We provide exceptional direct care to women and families to improve health outcomes including traditionally underserved communities. Our programs increase job capacity for providers of color and our services are based on community-identified needs.
Families of Color Seattle https://www.focseattle.org
Families Of Color Seattle (FOCS) is a non-profit organization that is connecting parents to build a loving community of families of color. Founded in 2013, FOCS is led by mothers of color. Our programs include parent groups, community resources and events, and racial equity consulting. We specialize in community dialogues, workshops, and consulting on race, family engagement, and anti-bias education. We equip parents and educators with tools to talk with children on identity, racism, inclusion & equity, and trauma-informed practices.
Tacoma Urban League https://thetacomaurbanleague.org
Our mission is to assist African Americans and other underserved urban residents in the achievement of social equality and economic independence. Tacoma Ubran League has a doula program focused on supporting black families and mom in tacoma/pierce county.
Tacoma Pierce County Black Infant Health Program https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/family-health/black-infant-health-health-ministers
The Black Infant Health program is a partnership. Community and agencies working together help improve the health of moms and babies. The Health Ministry model includes a network of:
Churches.
Pastors.
Health Ministers.
Community groups.
Public health nurses
Surge RJ https://www.surgereprojustice.org/
Surge Reproductive Justice mobilizes communities to build a world where all people can make powerful, self-determined choices for their bodies and the future of their families and communities. Our work centers Black women, women of color, and queer and trans people of color for a movement that rises from the bottom up.