Allyson Felix (illustrated above)—the most decorated American track and field athlete in Olympic history—considers motherhood the most special job she’s ever had.
The birth of a child should be a time of joy for every family. All parents deserve a beautiful, positive birthing experience that aligns with their values and needs. But this is not the case for many women in the United States—and especially for Black women. If we work together, we can make sure that all who give birth get the chance to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
In this blog post, two powerful Black women—an Olympic gold medalist, and the other a nationally recognized physician on a mission to improve maternal outcomes—reflect on motherhood, maternal care, and how to shape a brighter future for Black birthing people and babies. Both women are featured in the new documentary, BIRTHING JUSTICE (supported in part through funding by RWJF), premiering nationally April 10 on PBS, kicking off Black Maternal Health Week.
Elevating Black mothers’ experiences
Eleven-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix considers motherhood the most special job she’s ever had. But her birth story is indicative of a wider Black maternal health crisis.
As an Olympic athlete who stayed fit throughout my pregnancy, I never expected to have a complicated pregnancy or birth. Then at 32 weeks, my doctor discovered that I had severe preeclampsia during a routine prenatal visit. Fortunately, my doctor acted quickly and likely saved my life and my daughter’s. But not all Black women—even those with the resources I have—are fortunate enough to get the care they need and deserve to have a joyful birth experience.
Far too frequently, a Black person’s pain or suffering is dismissed because of discrimination or implicit bias in our healthcare system. It cannot go on that way. For Black women and their infants to thrive, it’s crucial that doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals value and respect every birthing person’s experiences.