In the second presentation of our webinar series, BMMA, Inc. (Black Mamas Matter Alliance) shares how they apply the core frameworks of Birth Justice—Birth Equity, Reproductive Justice, and Human Rights—to shape policy solutions that advance Black Maternal Health (BMH) and Early Childhood (EC) Health outcomes.
The webinar was facilitated by Black Mamas Matter Alliance’s Stephanie Aristide, MPH and Phoebe Wescott, MPH, and was hosted by the Alliance for Early Success’ Jacy Montoya Price. Participants learned more about the Birth Justice, Birth Equity, Reproductive Justice, and Human Rights frameworks, how to implement them with fidelity, and how to avoid causing unintentional harm when approaching policy implementation.
BMMA shared examples of what the frameworks look like in action at the state and federal levels, as well as ways for early childhood advocates to reconsider the power their positionality holds in their respective fields.
Key takeaways:
- Incorporation of the Reproductive Justice framework must be intentional when developing policy- meeting the needs of the communities at all levels.
- Distinguishing the intent of a policy vs. the impact of implementation is essential to avoid negative impact families and communities.
- Black-led organizations and leaders should continuously be included in the development and implementation of policies.
Resources
- Alliance for Early Success Theory of Change
- In Conversation: Maternal Health series
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc
- BMMA Partners
- Alliance Webinar with Black Mamas Matter Alliance on Reproductive Justice and Early Childhood Advocacy
- Black Mamas Matter In Policy and Practice: A Policy Agenda for the Black Maternal Health, Rights, and Justice Movement
- Advancing Holistic Maternal Care for Black Women Through Policy
- The Momnibus Act
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Many States Advancing “Fetal Personhood” Legislation for Economic Security Programs Have Restrictive Abortion Policies, But Offer Little Economic Assistance to Families
- Robin Hood, How Maternal Health Fits Into Early Learning & Development
- Anyanwu C, Paschal C, None Oluwatoyin Ayo-Farai, None Chiamaka Chinaemelum Okongwu, Ifesinachi A. Maternal and child health policy: A global review of current practices and future directions. World Journal Of Advanced Research and Reviews. 2024 Feb 28;21(2):1770–81.
- Catherine E, Alexander B, Meek S. Review of Policy Effects on Black Families and Children: Advancing the Black Child National Agenda Review of Policy Effects on Black Families and Children: Advancing the Black Child National Agenda
Resources shared by webinar participants in the chat:
- Equity Research Action Coalition at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, Children’s Equity Project at Arizona State University, Advancing the Black Child National Agenda (April 2024):
- Center for Children & Families (CCF) of the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, State Momentum for Maternal Health Legislation Continues: Congressional Cuts Would Turn Back the Clock
- Frameworks Institute, Reframing Early Childhood to Strengthen Systems that Impact Children and Families
- Pollock, Meagan (2021 March 24). What is Positionality?, Engineer Inclusion.
- Maternal Health Networks of San Bernadino County
- Children’s Funding Project, Funding Our Future: Generating State and Local Tax Revenue for Quality Early Care and Education
- WA Healthy Children’s Fund
- Promise Venture Studio’s Early Childhood Leaders of Color Collaborative