For too many Black people, the decision to carry a pregnancy to term can be a matter of life or death. 2/
As a Black woman and a doctor who has provided the full spectrum of reproductive health care, I’ve seen how our health care system fails Black women, whether they are seeking quality prenatal care or abortion care. 3/
Let’s be clear: racial inequities in maternal health are caused by racism, NOT race. Abortion restrictions are part of a long legacy of attempts to exercise power and control over the reproduction of Black women. 4/
The systems and structures that cause Black women to face higher rates of mortality, morbidity, and mistreatment when accessing pregnancy care are the same ones that restrict their access to abortion care. 5/
When abortion care is inaccessible, Black maternal health as a whole suffers because our agency, autonomy, and self-determination are compromised. 6/
Health care providers must ground our care in respecting the agency and autonomy of our patients, and we must follow the lead of organizers working to improve all aspects of maternal health, including abortion access. 8/
I’m proud to work alongside orgs like @BlkMamasMatter @ROOTTRJ @MamatotoVillage @BirthEquity @jamaabirth and so many others that center the health and well-being of Black people and are leading the charge to end the Black maternal health crisis. 9/
For Black pregnant and birthing people to thrive, we must create a world where all people, including Black people, can access the full range of pregnancy related care, including abortion when and where they need it. #BMHW21 /END
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