In 2017, the World Health Organization found that even though maternal mortality rates were decreasing globally, the U.S. was one of two countries to experience a significant increase in its maternal mortality ratio. 

What this means is that women and other birthing people in the U.S. are "dying before, during, and after childbirth" at a rate higher than any developed nation in the world, with Black women and Black birthing persons 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications than their white counterparts. 

In December, we took a deep dive into the issue of childbirth, disparities in maternal health outcomes, and the need for action. Listen to it here. The White House hosted its first ever Maternal Health Day of Action Summit on Dec 7, 2021 and in continuation of addressing the racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, announced that April 11th through April 17th is officially Black Maternal Health week. 

We speak with Raven Freeborn, Director of Policy, Organizing, and Partnership at Mamatoto Village, an organization creating career pathways in maternal health and providing accessible, reproductive support services for Black pregnant people and Black mothers.