Addressing the Systemic Racism Behind Black Maternal Mortality: A Look at Boston’s Community Birth Center

Black birthing individuals face a significantly higher risk of maternal mortality and morbidity compared to white individuals. This alarming disparity is not due to genetic predispositions, but rather to systemic racism embedded in every aspect of society. Nashira Baril, founder of the Neighborhood Birth Center in Boston, is well aware of these disparities in maternal health, particularly affecting Black communities.

According to Baril, there is a crisis in maternal health that disproportionately affects people of color, especially Black individuals. She believes that racism is the root cause of these health inequities. In an effort to address this issue, the New Commonwealth Fund is providing a $300,000 grant to the Neighborhood Birth Center during Black Maternal Health Week.

With the grant money, the Neighborhood Birth Center plans to open Boston’s first community birth center in Roxbury. This birth center will prioritize midwifery care and offer amenities like queen-sized beds, spacious walk-in showers, and birthing tubs for a more comfortable and inclusive birthing experience. Baril hopes that this new facility will help improve maternal health outcomes for Black birthing individuals in the community.