In recent years, people have been paying more attention to Black maternal health, and it's clear that something needs to change. In the U.S., Black mothers face much higher rates of severe health complications and maternal death compared to other groups. This highlights serious issues in the healthcare system, including limited access to care, bias, and unequal treatment—challenges that persist regardless of income.
Several champions have emerged as advocates in the critical mission to address the disparities in Black maternal health outcomes across the United States. We are honoring 5 champions of Black maternal health who, through their dedication, fight to advance health equity for all.
Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Founded in 2010, the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) has been a leader in advocating for Black maternal health and fighting against these disparities. One of their key efforts is Black Maternal Health Week, a week-long campaign that raises awareness, pushes for policy change, and builds community support to address maternal health disparities. BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center also plans events throughout April for BMHW. Learn more here.
BMMA's work is based on human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks. They focus on ensuring that all women receive respectful maternity care. The Alliance is a national voice for organizations and people working to improve maternal health, rights, and justice. They offer training, support, and guidance to grassroots groups, maternity care providers (such as midwives, doulas, and community health workers), universities, and public health professionals. They also create spaces where mainstream groups can collaborate with Black women-led initiatives.
Congresswoman Alma Adams
Congresswoman Alma Adams, born May 27, 1946, represents the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina. Congresswoman Alma Adams has been an invested advocate for Black maternal health for years. In 2021, she joined Rep. Lauren Underwood and Senator Cory Booker to introduce a resolution recognizing April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week, inspired by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. In 2018, Rep. Adams and then-Senator Kamala Harris introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution, which led to the formation of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act. This 12-part bill, introduced in 2020 and 2021, addresses key issues in Black maternal health to improve outcomes for Black mothers and infants.
The Black Maternal Health Caucus, launched in 2019 by Rep. Adams and Rep. Underwood, has grown to over 100 members. It focuses on elevating the Black maternal health crisis and pushing for policies that improve health outcomes. Rep. Adams has said, "Racial disparities in maternal health have not improved in three decades... I’m proud to launch the Black Maternal Health Caucus to ensure that Black women and infants have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy."
Thanks to her leadership, the Momnibus Act was included in President Biden’s Build Back Better Act, providing over $1.1 billion to address maternal health issues. The Momnibus Act focuses on key areas such as improving healthcare access, funding community-based organizations, supporting maternal mental health, and addressing social factors like housing and transportation.
Adams' work continues to push for real change, ensuring Black women and families get the care and support they deserve.
Mayor Muriel Bowser
Muriel Bowser, born August 2, 1972, is the current mayor of Washington, D.C. Mayor Bowser has been a dedicated advocate for pregnant women and mothers. Since 2018, she has hosted the National Maternal & Infant Health Summit, which brings together key stakeholders from government, healthcare, education, and the community. The summit explores strategies to improve perinatal health, reduce racial disparities, and create solutions supporting maternal health outcomes. By bringing these groups together, Mayor Bowser encourages collaboration to make lasting changes for mothers and babies, especially in communities of color.
In addition to the summit, Mayor Bowser launched Thrive by Five D.C., a comprehensive childhood health and early learning initiative to ensure all children in the city have the resources they need to thrive. This program focuses on early childhood development, healthcare access, and education to create a solid foundation for the health and well-being of young children.
Through these efforts, Mayor Bowser is ensuring that maternal and infant health are top priorities in Washington, D.C., and she continues to advocate for policies and programs that address systemic issues and disparities in healthcare.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, born October 20, 1964, is the 49th Vice President of the United States. Harris has long been an advocate for Black maternal health. During the Biden-Harris administration, a series of initiatives were announced to create health equity for Black mothers. Former Vice President Harris has been at the forefront of these efforts, leading roundtable discussions focusing on the specific needs of Black women and communities facing health disparities.
Some of the key initiatives announced by the administration include allocating $200 million for implicit bias training for healthcare providers to address the harmful effects of racial bias in healthcare settings. The administration also supported at-home prenatal services to improve access to care, especially for underserved communities. Another important initiative is the creation of a Maternal Mortality Review Committee to better understand and prevent pregnancy-related deaths, particularly those affecting Black mothers.
Former Vice President Harris continues to lead the charge to address the maternal health crisis, with a focus on reducing disparities and ensuring all mothers receive the care, respect, and resources they deserve.
Learn more about the Biden-Harris Administration’s blueprint for maternal health crisis here.
Nicole Deggins
Nicole Deggins is a strong leader in the fight for better health for Black mothers. She is the founder and CEO of Sista Midwife Productions, the largest online directory of Black midwives and doulas. With over 20 years of experience in the health field, Nicole is an expert in birth advocacy. She uses her knowledge to raise awareness about how history has affected the health of Black women today.
Nicole’s work helps people understand how important it is to have Black midwives and doulas who understand and respect Black culture and needs. Through Sista Midwife Productions, she connects Black families with birth professionals who provide respectful and supportive care. Her work helps ensure Black mothers get the care they deserve while also raising awareness about the challenges Black women face during pregnancy and childbirth.