Black birthing individuals are at a significantly higher risk of maternal mortality and morbidity compared to white individuals. This alarming disparity is not due to genetic predispositions but rather systemic racism that is embedded in every aspect of society.
Nashira Baril, the founder of the Neighborhood Birth Center in Boston, is well aware of these disparities in maternal health, particularly affecting Black communities. She believes that racism is the root cause of these health inequities and has made it her mission to address this issue.
During Black Maternal Health Week, the New Commonwealth Fund has provided a $300,000 grant to the Neighborhood Birth Center to open Boston’s first community birth center in Roxbury. With this grant money, the birth center plans to 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. She believes that access to quality healthcare should be equal for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.