Back to School, But Never Off Duty: Why the Work for Black Maternal Health Doesn’t Pause

As summer winds down and children head back to school, many families are returning to familiar routines—drop-offs, school lunches, sports schedules. But for those working on the frontlines of Black maternal health, there’s no such thing as a seasonal break. The California Coalition for Black Birth Justice (CCBBJ) has stayed hard at work year-round, pushing for systemic change to ensure that Black mothers and birthing people are not only heard—but protected and cared for.

“Back to school is a time when we prioritize learning—but this learning has to extend beyond the classroom,” says Dana Sherrod, MPH, Executive Director of CCBBJ. “It’s time to keep educating ourselves and our communities about what’s been happening—and why Black maternal health needs our attention every single day.”

What’s Really Behind the Disparities?

Despite widespread myths, the gap in maternal health outcomes between Black and white women isn't about individual choices or lifestyle. “When we control for income, education, marital status, and even pre-existing health conditions, Black women still face significantly higher maternal mortality rates,” Sherrod explains.

The root cause? Systemic racism.

This shows up in many ways—from bias in healthcare settings and under-resourced neighborhoods to the physical toll of chronic stress caused by racism, known as weathering. “We also have to reckon with the way our country has historically deprioritized moms and babies—especially Black moms and babies,” Sherrod adds.

The Leading Causes—and the Deeper Issues

In California and across the country, the leading causes of maternal death among Black women are cardiovascular disease, hypertension and pre-eclampsia, blood clots, and infection. But Black women are eight times more likely than white women to die from hypertensive disorders or blood clots.

“These statistics are not coincidences,” says Sherrod. “They’re the result of generations of underinvestment in Black communities, the chronic stress of racism, and a healthcare system that too often lacks respect and cultural alignment.”

What CCBBJ Is Doing About It

The California Coalition for Black Birth Justice is helping lead a growing, statewide movement to improve birth outcomes and dismantle the systems causing harm. Their work includes:

• Policy Advocacy: Championing legislation that centers Black birthing people and pushes for culturally aligned, equitable care.

• Workforce Support: Expanding and strengthening the birth justice workforce, especially Black doulas and midwives.

• System Transformation: Partnering directly with hospitals and health systems to provide anti-racist, respectful care.

One of their key tools is the California Black Birth Justice Agenda, which outlines clear, community-informed strategies for change. “Black women have always known what we need,” Sherrod says. “Now we need institutions and systems to listen—and act.”

Why Midwives, Doulas, and Community Care Matter

Sherrod emphasizes that access to doulas and midwives isn’t a luxury—it’s a life-saving necessity. “People who receive care from midwives are less likely to have c-sections, deliver early, and more likely to breastfeed,” she explains. “Doulas provide essential support before, during, and after birth. They are a critical part of the care team, especially for Black families navigating biased health systems.”

CCBBJ works to build up this entire “care ecosystem,” supporting not just birth workers, but the broader network of advocates, hospitals, and policy leaders needed to ensure healthy, joyful birth experiences.

How You Can Help—Right Now

You don’t have to be a healthcare professional to get involved. Everyone can play a role in advancing birth justice:

• Educate Yourself: Learn the real causes behind maternal health disparities

• Support Black-Led Organizations: Donate, volunteer, or share the work of groups like CCBBJ

• Advocate for Policy Change: Track legislation in your state and speak up to your elected officials

• Amplify Black Voices: Follow and uplift Black-led solutions, stories, and leadership.

A Message for the Season

“As families get back into school mode, it’s a powerful time to remember that learning doesn’t stop with the kids,” says Sherrod. “This crisis isn’t just a Black issue—it’s a human issue. And when we create care systems that work for the most impacted, we make them stronger for everyone.”

Looking ahead, CCBBJ invites supporters and partners to join them at the upcoming California Black Birth Equity Summit, happening October 20–21, 2025, in Sacramento. It’s a space for learning, connecting, and building the future of birth justice, together.

Take Action:

• Read and share the California Black Birth Justice Agenda.

• Follow @cablackbirthjustice and @mrssherrod0403 for updates and calls to action.

• Join the movement at cablackbirthjustice.com

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