Ep 3: Pregnancy, Prejudice & Power: Advocating for Better Healthcare for Mom and Baby

Black maternal mortality is a crisis. Over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, yet Black women die at three times the rate of white women from pregnancy complications. In this powerful episode, Dr. Eboni Haynes and Dr. Tynisha Camae Drennon dive deep into the systemic racism embedded in our healthcare system and what every Black woman needs to know to survive it. We honor Dr. Janelle Green Smith, a 31-year-old certified midwife, nurse, scholar, and maternal health advocate who tragically passed away from childbirth complications. Her story is a stark reminder that education, credentials, and resources don't protect Black women from a broken system. In this conversation, we're talking about:Systemic racism in maternal healthcareWhy Black women are dismissed and how to advocate for yourselfFinding culturally competent care that actually listensWhat happens before, during, and after pregnancyReal stories of medical negligence and survivalThe importance of having support and asking questionsPolicy changes and organizations fighting for Black maternal healthThis episode is for everyone—moms, partners, sisters, friends, and anyone who loves a Black woman. Share it widely. And keep the Smith family in your prayers. Resources mentioned:GoFundMe for Dr. Janelle Green Smith's family: https://gofund.me/0629efd35American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM): https://midwife.org/Black Maternal Health Caucus (led by Congresswomen Alma Adams and Laura Underwood): https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/American Civil Liberties Union: https://www.aclu.org/ Have thoughts? Questions? Send us an email or voice note: [email protected]