Black Maternal Health Week is taking place this year, with Austin Public Health (APH) hosting It’s a Birthing Thang on Saturday, April 13 at the ACC Eastview Campus, African American Cultural Center. This event aims to improve outcomes for pregnant individuals, specifically black mothers, by providing education on warning signs and resources for a healthy pregnancy.
APH emphasizes the importance of access to resources and knowledge of warning signs for a healthy pregnancy. Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County Health Authority, recognizes the significance of providing education on warning signs and resources to prevent pregnancy-related deaths, which are mostly preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that hundreds of people die during pregnancy or the year after, with black women being three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. It is crucial to address this health crisis and reduce disparities faced by black women.
APH Director Adrienne Sturrup stresses the commitment to elevating Black voices and building allyship to combat the challenges black women encounter during pregnancy, including lower quality of care and implicit bias from healthcare providers. Whether you are a parent-to-be, a birth professional, or an ally, It’s a Birthing Thang is an event for everyone to participate in. Visit APH’s Maternal Infant Outreach Program page for more information and resources on Black Maternal Health.
