Honoring Juneteenth: Supporting Black Birthing People and Addressing Perinatal Loss
By Dr. Solimar Santiago- Warner, LCSW, PMH-C
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As a pivotal moment in American history, Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and justice faced by Black communities.
While Juneteenth marks a historical victory, it also calls us to reflect on contemporary issues impacting Black Americans. One such critical issue is the support for Black birthing people and the profound grief associated with perinatal loss. The fight for equality must include ensuring that Black families receive equitable, respectful, and compassionate care during one of life's most vulnerable times.
The Disparities in Maternal and Perinatal Health
Black women in the United States face disproportionately high rates of maternal and infant mortality compared to their white counterparts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The infant mortality rate for Black infants is more than twice that of white infants. These stark disparities are not due to biological differences but rather to systemic racism and inequities in healthcare.
Factors contributing to these disparities include:
Racial Bias in Healthcare: Black women often experience implicit bias and discrimination in medical settings, leading to delayed or inadequate care.
Socioeconomic Inequities: Higher rates of poverty, lack of access to quality healthcare, and inadequate health insurance coverage disproportionately affect Black families.
Chronic Stress: The cumulative effect of enduring racism and discrimination contributes to chronic stress, which adversely affects pregnancy outcomes.
The Need for Holistic Support
Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, community support, and culturally competent healthcare. Here are some critical steps to support Black birthing people and address perinatal loss:
Policy Advocacy:
Advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all, such as expanding Medicaid coverage for postpartum care beyond 60 days.
Support the implementation of anti-racism training programs for healthcare providers to reduce implicit bias.
Community-Based Care:
Promote community-based models of care, such as midwifery and doula services, which have been shown to improve outcomes for Black birthing people.
Support organizations and initiatives that focus on Black maternal and infant health, such as the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and the National Birth Equity Collaborative.
Mental Health Support:
Provide access to mental health services for Black birthing people experiencing perinatal loss and grief.
Encourage the development of support groups and counseling services that are culturally sensitive and trauma-informed.
Education and Awareness:
Raise awareness about the disparities in maternal and infant health and the importance of supporting Black birthing people.
Educate communities about the signs and symptoms of pregnancy-related complications and the importance of timely medical care.
The Imperative of Continuing the Fight
Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom and progress, but it also serves as a reminder of the work that remains. The fight for justice and equality must extend to every aspect of life, including the health and well-being of Black families. By addressing the systemic issues contributing to disparities in maternal and perinatal health, we can honor the legacy of Juneteenth and work towards a future where every person, regardless of race, has the opportunity to thrive.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us commit to supporting Black birthing people and their families. Let us acknowledge their grief, amplify their voices, and advocate for the changes needed to ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve. Together, we can create a more equitable and compassionate society for all.
