Listen to Black Women. Period.

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Carefully Speaking, Dr. Jamillah opens the door to an urgent and ongoing conversation about Black maternal health. Sharing her own birth story alongside the painful narratives of others, she explores the layers of joy, trauma, and resilience that shape the birthing experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. And those numbers don't improve with higher income or education. This episode is about more than data--it's about the human stories behind it. You'll hear how bias shows up in medical settings, how trauma ripples through families, and why listening to Black birthing people can save lives. 

Referenced in this episode: the powerful book Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington, which provides critical historical context to these modern-day disparities. 

This isn't just about awareness. It's a call to action. Because every birth should be safe, and every voice should be heard. 

Resources Mentioned:

• CDC Maternal Mortality Data (2023)
• BirthCare & Women's Health (Alexandria, VA)
• Black Mamas Matter Alliance
• Sista Midwife Productions
• National Birth Equity Collaborative
• Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington

Listen now and don't forget to share this episode with someone who needs it. 

#BlackMaternalHealth #BMHW2025 #ReproductiveJustice