Midwife Highlights Urgent Mission of Black Maternal Health Week

April 13, 2026 - 03:49

A dedicated midwife from Mercy Medical Center recently emphasized the critical goals of education, empowerment, and advocacy during Black Maternal Health Week. The annual observance, running from April 11-17, spotlights the stark disparities in maternal health outcomes and mobilizes action for change.

In a conversation with community advocate Jenyne Donaldson, midwife Kia Hollis detailed the sobering statistics that frame this national crisis. Black women in the United States are significantly more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts, a disparity that persists across income and education levels. Hollis stressed that this week is a vital platform to confront systemic issues, including implicit bias in healthcare and barriers to accessing consistent, quality care.

The discussion centered on the powerful role of midwifery care and community support in improving outcomes. Hollis advocates for a model of care that listens to and respects Black women, ensuring their concerns are validated. Beyond clinical care, the week calls for broader societal shifts, including policy changes and increased representation of Black professionals in maternal healthcare. The ultimate aim is to ensure every mother receives the compassionate, competent care she deserves, making pregnancy and childbirth safer.