An Informational Post from Health & Wellness Ministry.
Each year, from April 11 to April 17, the nation observes Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW)—a week dedicated to raising awareness about the health disparities that Black women and birthing individuals face during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
What is Black Maternal Health Week?
Black Maternal Health Week was founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and first observed in 2018. It serves to deepen the national conversation around Black maternal health in the United States and to highlight the urgent need for better policies, improved care, and greater health equity.
The week brings together people from all walks of life—advocates, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and families—to collectively educate, advocate, and uplift the voices of Black mothers.
Why It Matters
Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This is not due to biological differences, but rather a result of systemic inequalities in healthcare, racial bias, underinvestment in Black communities, and lack of access to quality medical care.
Black Maternal Health Week highlights these challenges while celebrating the strength, resilience, and leadership of Black women in the fight for reproductive justice and maternal health equity.
The 2025 Theme
This year’s theme is:
“Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy.”
The theme emphasizes the importance of healing—not only in physical and emotional ways but also healing from generational trauma and institutional neglect. It encourages collaboration among communities, healthcare systems, and policymakers to create meaningful and lasting change.
Key Goals of Black Maternal Health Week
- Raise awareness about the state of Black maternal health in the U.S.
- Encourage community-driven solutions led by Black women and families.
- Promote respectful and culturally competent care in all healthcare settings.
- Support policy changes that improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes.
- Celebrate Black motherhood and honor the voices of Black birthing people.
How You Can Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more or sharing information, consider visiting:
These sources offer educational materials, advocacy tools, and opportunities to support the ongoing work to improve maternal health outcomes for Black women and birthing people.
At Franklin Chapel AME Zion Church, we encourage everyone to take this week as an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect on how we can each play a role in advancing health equity. Through awareness, education, and compassion, we can be a part of the healing process and the movement toward justice.
