Active Campaigns

The first Black midwives on American soil were African people who brought with them traditional knowledge, beliefs, ideas, rituals, tools, approaches, and methods that existed in Africa for thousands of years.   

Ancient birth practices and rituals were passed down from generations to generations through a calling to midwifery.   A nationally recognized Black Midwives Day venerates the work and contributions of past and present birth attendants who have served to usher in new life despite a history fraught with persecution, enslavement, violence, racism and the systematic erasure of community Black midwives throughout the 20th century.   

The resurgence of Black midwifery is a testament to the resilience, resistance, and determination of spirit in the preservation of healing modalities that are practiced all over the world.   The focus on holistic care, which involves caring for the whole person, family and community, is what makes a difference in midwifery. It honors a birthing person’s right to bodily autonomy; can be facilitated at home, in a birth center, or hospital; and works in tandem with doulas, community health workers, obstetricians, pediatricians, and other health care providers.  

Black families need access to Black midwives to receive culturally sensitive and congruent care established through trust and respect; backed with the wisdom of time honored technique and best practices.   

NBMA is campaigning for a Black Midwives Day:   

1) To strengthen the base of Black midwives and their supporters  

2) To preserve the cultural history of Black midwifery as an important part of the story of America 

 3) To provide advocacy tools that eliminate barriers to education and resources for Black midwives  

4) To build power by developing a national unified voice that advocates for Black midwifery  

5) To address perinatal health disparities that impact Black communities  

6) To elevate the consumer demand for access to midwifery and community birth.

Ways to support:

Show your support by signing the Black Midwives Day petition on change.org 

Remember to add your thoughts, comments, suggestions and reflections.   

Donate to NBMA   

Tag a Black midwife or Black student midwife and let them know you appreciate them.