( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) The Inspirational Documentary Centered On The Disparities In Black Maternal Health Produced By Women In The Room Productions
ENSPIRE Contributor: Madesen Amadeo
The national maternal mortality rate rose during the pandemic. New federal data reveals the unfortunate truth for Black mothers across the country. Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. People can learn more about these discrepancies – and experience moments of resilience and joy – by tuning in to select PBS stations during Black Maternal Health Week (April 10-17) to watch “Birthing Justice.” The powerful documentary goes behind the statistics and beyond the grief to show how Black women are taking control of their lives and transforming birth experiences for generations to come.
“Birthing Justice is the film I wish I had before I started a family,” said Allyson Felix, 11-Time Olympic Medalist, co-founder and president of Saysh, and executive producer of Birthing Justice. “It takes an in-depth look at the horrifying statistics of giving birth for Black women and unpacks the complexities of changing these outcomes. It was important for me to share my story alongside other powerful accounts so that my daughter and her generation won’t face these same issues.”
Women in the Room Productions is a media company that strives to create a social impact for women and people of color through storytelling and community-produced Birthing Justice. The W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Missouri Foundation for Health, Meadow Fund, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and others provided support for the film.
Viewers in over 50 cities across the country can access the documentary by tuning in to their local PBS station the week of April 10. See the list of air dates here and information on how individuals and communities can host their own “Birthing Justice” watch party. After watching the documentary, viewers can use this thought-provoking discussion guide, provided by The Opportunity Agenda, a social justice-oriented, nonprofit community, to empower conversations about Black maternal health with friends, family, and community members.
Related Articles: SACRED Birth Study To Combat Racism Against Black Mothers, Dr. Andrea Alexander’s New Book To Combat Black Maternal Mortality
