With the development of technology and advances in pre-natal care, the childbirth experience should be safer than ever. Yet, in Massachusetts, life-threatening and fatal complications associated with labor and delivery have increased at alarming rates for all birthing people, with Black women experiencing the highest rates of death.
In this forum, legislators, healthcare experts and advocates discuss the state of maternal health in the Commonwealth, and how better access to care can ensure that giving birth is safe, nurturing and survivable.
The speakers are:
Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, Ph.D.
Emily Anesta
Nashira Baril, MPH
Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley
Representative Kay Khan, RN/MSN
Senator Liz Miranda
Lucy Lomas, M.D.
Jo-Anna Rorie, Ph.D.
GBH News Saraya Wintersmith is moderating the discussion
This talk is a partnership between the Commonwealth Beacon and GBH Forum Network supported by:
- Bay State Birth Coalition
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Boston’s Higher Ground
- Boston Public Health Commission
- Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy – University of Massachusetts, Boston
- Children’s HealthWatch
- MassNOW
- Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC)
- NAACP, Boston Chapter
- Neighborhood Birth Center
- New England Medical Association (NEMA)
- The Wagner Foundation