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Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week 2025

April 18, 2025 Kelli Jackson

Black Maternal Health Week 2025

This week BEJMA is celebrating Black Maternal Health Week and the inspiring work of organizations that are advancing reproductive justice and birth equity to address the disparities in health outcomes for Black birthing people.

With the rate of Black pregnancy-related mortality 3 to 4 times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic White birthing people, BEJMA is working collaboratively across the silos of maternal health to foreground equity in maternal health policy and build community power through a lens of justice. We envision a racially just and equitable world in which birthing people experience health, joy, and bodily autonomy!

On Monday, April 14th, BEJMA Steering Committee Member Shenell Ford co-organized a public forum titled “Expanding Maternal Health Access in Springfield”.

BEJMA Co-Chair Dr. Jallicia Jolly spoke at the event, covering the recently passed Maternal Health Bill, including its key legislative highlights and focus on equity initiatives. She elevated the work of those on the frontlines of advocacy, coalition-building, and mobilization that shaped the bill’s passage and how it addresses equity in practice.

Thank you Jallicia and Shenell for highlighting this important win! And deep gratitude to Heart2Heartbeat Lactation & Wellness and Women of Color Health Equity Collective (WOCHEC) for amplifying birth equity and justice!