The Bronx Borough President, Vanessa Gibson, kicked off Black Maternal Health Week with a powerful event that brought together birthing advocates, doulas, and Bronx residents to discuss birth justice and maternal health.

The event, “Black Mothers, Birth Justice and Healing – A Film Experience,” was held at the newly-renovated Melrose Library and featured a film screening followed by a fruitful conversation.

During the event, Gibson and the attendees engaged in a meaningful discussion about patient rights, doula certification, resources, and the fight for birth justice. The conversation highlighted the importance of equitable birthing care and the need for continued advocacy to improve birth outcomes in the Bronx.

Gibson expressed her gratitude to the birthing advocates, doulas, and Bronx residents who participated in the event, saying, “Thank you to our birthing advocates for their commitment and all the ways they lift and support the Bronx birthing community in times of need.”

She emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “This is long, hard work but together we can fight for better birth outcomes in the Bronx and pave the way towards equitable birthing care in our Borough.”

As part of the event, attendees received a copy of the Birthing Center Report, a valuable resource for those advocating for better maternal healthcare. Gibson thanked the New York Public Library for hosting the event and acknowledged the critical role that organizations and individuals play in supporting the birthing community.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fighting for birth justice and improving maternal health outcomes in the Bronx.

As Gibson noted, “Our birthing advocates, doulas, and Bronx residents engaged in a conversation about patient rights, doula certification, resources, and the great strides we are making in the fight for birth justice.”

The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of continued advocacy and community support in achieving equitable birthing care.