In the United States, maternal mortality rates are two to six times higher for non-Hispanic Blacks than for non-Hispanic Whites, depending on where they live. Marked disparities are also seen in maternal morbidity and infant outcomes such as infant mortality, preterm birth and low birth weight. The crisis faced by Black mothers and their children and the solutions needed to transform the maternal care system are documented in Birthing Justice, a feature-length film currently available on-demand at https://www.pbs.org/video/birthing-justice-pxaxav/.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Featured Blog: “Achieving Joyful, Healthy Births For All”
For data on maternal mortality, maternal morbidity, and infant outcomes in the United States, California, and Orange County, see:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Data Dashboards
- Orange County: 28th Annual Conditions of Children Report
Past Events
On April 12, 2023, HCA joined with HERstory, Inc., UCI School of Medicine, UCI Health, First 5, MECCA, and Supervisor Sarmiento’s Office to bring a Birthing Justice documentary screening and panel discussion to Orange County. Click here to see the full program and the bios of the panel members.
Additional presentations throughout the County are being planned to raise awareness about this important issue and encourage continued discussion and collaborations.
Future Events
Future screenings and events will be posted on this webpage. Check back soon for more information.
