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.