Black Women, Birthing, and the Call for Justice

Vol III: Reclaiming Our Right to Safe Motherhood

Keisha “Ankhti” Washington

4/12/20251 min read

At The Womb Space Movement, we honor the sacred act of bringing life into the world—and we refuse to ignore the injustice that Black women continue to face while doing so. Whether you’re preparing for motherhood, recovering from birth, or supporting another sister through the journey, our stories matter.

The Crisis We Can’t Ignore

Black women in the U.S. are 3–4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This is not a matter of biology—it’s a reflection of systemic racism, implicit bias, and generations of neglect in our healthcare system.

A landmark study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals that most of these deaths are preventable. Lack of access to culturally competent care, misdiagnosis, dismissal of pain, and chronic stressors like racism all contribute to the disproportionate burden on Black mothers.

Healing Through Knowledge, Advocacy, and Community

We’re reclaiming our birth experiences by returning to traditional wisdom, midwifery, and doula support. Research shows that when Black women receive care from people who understand their cultural context, outcomes improve dramatically.

At The Womb Space Movement, we:

  • Educate our communities about maternal health disparities

  • Support Black birthworkers and doulas

  • Offer programs focused on reproductive health and justice

  • Create space for Black women to share their birth stories and wisdom

What You Can Do
  • Speak Up: Share your birth story. Let others know what helped, what hurt, and what needs to change.

  • Support: Uplift organizations and professionals working to improve maternal outcomes for Black women.

  • Prepare: Whether you’re expecting or planning, seek culturally competent care and advocate for your wellness at every step.

📣 Our Stories Matter

Your body is sacred. Your birth experience should be safe. Your voice has power. Let’s continue to lift each other up, name the truth, and demand the care we deserve.