For many Black mothers, pregnancy is not only a time of anticipation—it can also be a time of uncertainty, navigating complex medical systems, financial pressures, and a history of loss or trauma. In some cases, it can mean mortality.
CDC data shows that Black women in the United States are more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to other ethnicities. Black infants also face stark disparities, with a mortality rate of about 10.9 per 1,000 live births.
Programs that center culturally responsive care and advocacy can make a meaningful difference in how families experience pregnancy and the months that follow.
Since launching in 2025, our Black Birth Equity program has worked to ensure that Black birthing people have access to the support, education, and advocacy they need during pregnancy and postpartum. Through the program, clients receive free case management, resource navigation, and connections to services such as doulas, specialized meals, parenting classes, mental health care, and essential baby supplies.
In just over a year, the program has served 37 clients, connecting every participant with resources tailored to their needs: from housing navigation and reproductive care to infant health services and postpartum support.
For one client, Tatiana, that support arrived during one of the most difficult chapters of her life. Her pregnancy was considered high risk. Before this pregnancy, and before the birth of her now 10-year-old daughter, she had experienced multiple pregnancy losses, serious medical complications, and the emotional toll that comes with navigating pregnancy after trauma.
“With [my first daughter], I felt like I was fighting alone. I was given negative advice and felt hopeless.”
This pregnancy brought many of those fears back. After being repeatedly transferred between doctors while also trying to manage her health conditions and financial stress, Tatiana was referred to our program for additional support. For the first time, she felt like she wasn’t alone.
“In my previous pregnancies and losses, I had no support in anyway. I had no resources and I felt this time more relieved having someone who could help advocate.”
Through our program, she was connected with her case manager, Enrique, who helped her navigate appointments, advocate for her needs, and connect with additional resources such as a therapist and doula.
“I was very appreciative of the program because I was dealing with PTSD, health issues and risks and I was very overwhelmed.”
Alongside emotional and care coordination support, Tatiana also received essential supplies to prepare for her baby. Having someone to consistently check in on her, helping with referrals, and following up when things felt uncertain made all the difference.
Today, Tatiana’s newest baby, Autumn, is nearly four months old.
“She is here and healthy and I’m so grateful to have had people in my corner.”
Support like the kind Tatiana received is made possible by a growing network of care. Recently, all 15 members of our Enhanced Care Management team completed a multi-part training in reproductive justice and culturally congruent maternal care led by Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPH, of Sista Midwife Production. The training helps strengthen how our team supports Black birthing clients through coordinated care.
In addition, our program has strengthened partnerships with community providers, including Planned Parenthood and New Sunrise, to reach more families. This work is supported by a generous two-year, $150,000 grant from Cedars-Sinai through its Black Birth Equity Initiative.
The impact of this work is clear. When mothers have advocates and support, they navigate pregnancy and birth with safety, confidence, and dignity. This kind of care strengthens families and makes a generational impact.
