Black birthing individuals face a much higher maternal mortality and morbidity risk compared to white individuals, with two to three times the likelihood of experiencing these negative outcomes. Nashira Baril, the founder of the Neighborhood Birth Center in Boston, is acutely aware of the disparities in maternal health that exist.
Baril emphasizes that there is a crisis in maternal health that disproportionately affects communities of color, particularly Black individuals. She attributes this disparity to the systemic racism that permeates every aspect of society. Baril believes that these inequalities have nothing to do with genetics or inherent risks, but are a result of the challenges Black individuals face in a society that was not built to support their well-being.
In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, the New Commonwealth Fund has granted $300,000 to the Neighborhood Birth Center. This funding will be used to establish Boston’s first and only community birth center that focuses on midwifery care in Roxbury, a predominantly Black neighborhood in the city.
Baril envisions a birthing center that provides a comfortable and supportive environment for expectant parents. The center will feature amenities such as queen-sized beds, spacious walk-in showers, and a birthing tub that accommodates partners or support persons. This initiative aims to address the gaps in maternal health care for Black individuals and provide a safe and inclusive space for pregnancy and childbirth in the community.