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OP-ED: Black Women Are Still Dying from Childbirth in 2022. Why?

BLACK VOICE NEWS — Racism, and the lack of access to and knowledge of resources, plays a huge role in contributing to persistent health care inequities in our community. When the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the pregnancy-related mortality rate for Black women who graduated from college was five times as high as white women with similar education, it’s also clear that status and education doesn’t matter.
The post OP-ED: Black Women Are Still Dying from Childbirth in 2022. Why? first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 years ago

April 22, 2022

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By Kara James | Nurse Practitioner, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, Black Voice News

Black women in Los Angeles County are four times more likely to die because of pregnancy and its complications than women of any other race. In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Black mothers are dying from preventable causes at rates that continue to rise.

With all the medical and technological advancements that have been made over the years, you’d think that the topic of maternal health would be low on the list of health inequities that impact the African American community. But it’s not.

Unacceptably, poor maternal health outcomes are a leading cause of death of Black women, and for generations have continuously burdened our women through no fault of our own. These outcomes are largely due to institutional racism.

The alarming number of deaths of Black women during childbirth and postpartum continue in 2022. We need real, systemic change that provides access to health care in environments where we live and work, and that is more equitable and responsive to our needs. Only then, will Black women be able to achieve optimal health equality.

Wanting better for us as Black women

As a Black mother, activist, and nurse practitioner, I want better for us! We are Queens and deserve to live as such. But before we can do better, we need to know better. And that starts with identifying why the pregnancy-related mortality rate for Black women is so high.

Racism, and the lack of access to and knowledge of resources, plays a huge role in contributing to persistent health care inequities in our community. When the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the pregnancy-related mortality rate for Black women who graduated from college was five times as high as white women with similar education, it’s also clear that status and education doesn’t matter.

To address the lack of access to and knowledge of resources in our community, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA) is meeting our women where we live, work, and play by bringing services to us at our newest Inglewood Health Center.

This location also serves as the flagship for the Black Health Initiative, an agency-wide program designed to improve the overall well-being of our communities by empowering us to advocate for ourselves toward better health outcomes.

Working to improve Black maternal health

The Black Health Initiative is working to improve Black maternal health by providing coaching to address chronic conditions before, during, and after pregnancy, acknowledging underlying social needs that impact health, and connecting patients to resources and programs needed to flourish.

As a nurse practitioner with PPLA, I am proud to be a part of a team that understands why delivering patient-centered reproductive and sexual health care with dignity and respect is critical to improving maternal health and addressing the disparities that Black women face.

The Inglewood Health Center reinforces PPLA’s commitment to providing our community with the resources needed to combat health inequities by offering prenatal care, doula services, behavioral health services, contraceptive counseling, birth control, and more.

For services not offered at the health center, patients are referred to additional care that is accessible, culturally specific, and supports overall health and well-being.

Spread the word

I urge you to share this information with the women in your life. I want Black women to feel comfortable knowing there are individuals that care about them and their unborn child, and they have a right to feel safe and receive the best care available to all women.

Learn more about the Black Health Initiative and the Inglewood Health Center by visiting the location at 905 N. La Brea Ave. or calling 800-576-5544.

Kara James, a nurse practitioner with Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.

The post Op Ed: Black Women Are Still Dying from Childbirth in 2022. Why? appeared first on Black Voice News.

The post OP-ED: Black Women Are Still Dying from Childbirth in 2022. Why? first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Multiple Sclerosis: Activist Lisa McRipley Raises Awareness & Funds with Hustle-a-thon

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org