Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, MEd, MPPM, FACOG’s Post

We invite you to join us for a vital discussion on Birthing Justice on May 24 at Hatch 41, hosted by NCBW Chicago Metropolitan (National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Chicago Metropolitan Chapter). As someone who has personally experienced the loss of twins and the challenges of navigating pregnancy during the pandemic, I understand how critical this conversation is for Black maternal health. History has shown that regardless of education, income, or celebrity status, Black women face significant disparities in maternal healthcare. Our voices are often unheard, and our concerns ignored. It’s time to change that. This event is for everyone, not just women. Men—whether you are a father, husband, or caretaker—you play a vital role in this journey. Your presence and perspective are crucial in advancing the conversation. While my own motherhood journey ended in triumph, many others face much harder realities. Let’s come together to raise awareness and advocate for change. https://lnkd.in/gjiZAV5f #healthcare #healthequity #blackmaternalhealth

As Black Maternal Health Week draws to a close, it’s crucial to extend our commitment to raising awareness about the health disparities faced by Black mothers. The theme for 2024, “Our Body Still Belongs to Us,” resonates deeply, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in Black maternal health and reproductive justice. In today’s landscape, the challenges surrounding reproductive justice are multifaceted. From widespread restrictions on abortion care to the axis of healthcare, and the rising cases of criminalization due to pregnancy loss, these issues disproportionately impact Black women and birthing people. This impact is particularly acute in states with restrictive abortion bans and inadequate social welfare and family support programs. Moving forward, we must continue advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize Black maternal health, address systemic inequities, and ensure that every individual has access to comprehensive healthcare and support throughout their reproductive journey. Let’s carry the spirit of Black Maternal Health Week throughout the year, working towards a future where every person, regardless of race or background, receives equitable and dignified maternal care. #BMHW24 #BlackMaternalHealthWeek 🕊️

2024 marks the 7th Annual Black Maternal Health Week. ❌ Research indicates that 22% of Black women receive lower quality of care than white women and are subject to discrimination in the #healthcare field. ❌ Black women are 3x times as likely to die because of #pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. We must invest in racial and birth justice for Black women and their children. What these #Black birthing parents have experienced is #racism, plain and simple. Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gzAzffaR #BMHW24 #communityhealth #blackmaternalhealth #SHRH #reproductiverights

I read a post today by The Guardian while having my morning coffee, preparing for a client. “ National disgrace’: black mothers in England twice as likely to have NHS birth investigated”… The opening paragraph states that, “ The births of babies to black mothers are almost twice as likely to be investigated for potential NHS safety failings”. I was both triggered and inspired to read more. The black mother in me, who had her share of failings during child birth felt sad, but the now clued up, legal professional me, wanted to know more! Did you know that black women in the UK are 4 times more likely to die during childbirth and in pregnancy?? This all being at the root of institutional racism. We have come so far yet still, not far enough. These are the inequalities that should not exist and the institutions responsible for allowing it to continue, should be held responsible. Yes, the Labour government has pledged to prioritise improvements to maternity care, including tackling the stark racial disparities, but should this not have already been reflected in policies to stomp it out, as much as corporate companies focus on equality and diversity, surely the lives of a mother and baby are equally as important as a company avoiding a tribunal situation. In 2018 when I had my daughter, I experienced a huge lack of care and assistance from pregnancy through to the year after she was born. I felt unseen and unheard, unimportant. In 2024, we have a duty to advocate for changes within government power, within the law and within the society that we live, for fairness, equality and diversity to be applied to all things. A fantastic article, let’s hope for positive change! https://lnkd.in/eh7erZvW #Advocacy #Motherhood #MaternalCare #InstitutionalRacism #RaisingAwareness

✊🏽🤱🏽🤰🏽This Women's History Month, let's not forget about the importance of black maternal health. Black women are disproportionately affected by maternal mortality rates, facing systemic barriers in accessing quality healthcare. It's crucial to advocate for equitable and inclusive care for all mothers, regardless of race. Let's amplify the voices of black mothers, support initiatives that address these disparities, and work towards a future where every woman has access to safe and respectful maternity care. #BlackMaternalHealth #WomensHistoryMonth #SupportBlackMothers #MaternalHealthJustice

Today marks the start of Black Maternal Health Week, founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA). It's a week of advocacy, awareness, and community-building to uplift Black maternal voices, spotlight Black-led initiatives, and uphold reproductive justice values. In 2024, widespread restrictions on abortion care access coupled with rising cases of criminalization due to pregnancy loss continue to widen the gaps of adverse maternal and birth outcomes among states in the U.S. Many of these states have the worst maternal and child health outcomes with the least supportive social welfare and family support programs, particularly for Black women and birthing people. Now is the time to demand comprehensive insurance coverage for maternal, sexual, and reproductive health, enhance healthcare access, diversity the perinatal care workforce, promote equitable care standards, and prioritize research on Black maternal health. Learn more about how we can make maternal health equity a reality: • https://lnkd.in/ehYr8bpt • https://lnkd.in/eMPCp-TF

In the U.S., Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. The CDC notes that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Founded by BMMA, Black Maternal Health Week is a week of awareness, activism, and community-building aimed at amplifying the voices of Black Mamas and centering the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. This year marks the 7th Annual Black Maternal Health Week, which will be held from April 11-17, 2024! Powered To Rise is joining forces with @BlackMamasMatter (BMMA) to center Black women’s scholarship, maternity care work, and advocacy across the full spectrum of sexual, maternal, and reproductive health care, services, programs, and initiatives. Join us in uplifting Black women and our families! Learn more on the Black Mammas Matter website. #BMHW24 #BlackMamasMatter #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ReproJustice

Did you know that Black and Native American women, along with their babies, face disparities in our healthcare system?    This Black Maternal Health Week and beyond, we're shedding light on birth equity to uplift women of color and their families.     #BMHW24 is observed from Apr. 11 to Apr. 17 to build awareness and community-building, led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA). Read our blog to learn more about the efforts to improve birth equity: https://bit.ly/3vKYWJn

Florida has passed a law that will allow some cesarean sections to take place outside of a hospital setting but doctors have warned that it poses serious safety risks to patients. Kentucky, Florida and California have centers operated by the for profit lobbying chain. Vote against the party who is profiting off of their new "Healthy Living" legislation. Don't continue to allow people to pretend this is anything other than the MAGA agenda which includes this C-section legislation passed in the Florida state of hate. Transgender rights also being harmed. #HealthcareIsAHumanRight #MAGA2025Agenda #VoteDemocracy #VoteHumanRights #VoteHealthcareRights Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation in March to allow “advanced birth centers” to perform planned, low-risk, C-sections as part of an effort to expand access to maternal healthcare in the state. Some 19 per cent of Florida counties were classed as “maternity care deserts” in a 2023 report after multiple hospitals closed their maternity wards.

Comanche Biopharma is honored to celebrate International Day of Maternal Health & Women’s Rights and #BlackMaternalHealthWeek.   #BMHW is a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA) to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people. BMMA is a national network of Black women-led organizations and multi-disciplinary professionals who work to ensure that all Black Mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy. Maternal health disparities for Black women remain a devastating burden. Awareness and education are key. Taking proactive steps to address the disparities is vital!   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e87C8vHC #BlackMamasMatter #BMHW24 #MaternalEquity #ENDMaternalMortality