top of page
Search

Honoring Our Legacy, Protecting Our Future: Black Maternal Health Week 2025

April 11–17 marks Black Maternal Health Week 2025, a national campaign that centers the voices and experiences of Black mothers and birthing people. At Elite Sisters of Light, we recognize that the health and wellness of our community begins with our women—and that starts with access to equitable, respectful maternal care.



The Reality

The maternal health crisis facing Black women is not just a national issue—it’s right here at home. In Arkansas, Black women are three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as white women. The state’s maternal mortality rate sits at approximately 44 deaths per 100,000 live births, and systemic inequities continue to limit access to respectful, culturally competent care for too many families.


Healing Legacies Through Collective Action

The 2025 Black Maternal Health Week theme—"Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy"—encourages us to honor those who came before us by taking action today. It’s not just about acknowledging disparities, but advocating for real change in how Black birthing people experience healthcare.


Angela Duran, Executive Director of Excel by Eight, recently shared how her organization developed a policy agenda focused on maternal health by partnering with Arkansas families and communities. Their efforts are pushing for increased access to insurance coverage—from prenatal to postpartum—so no woman is left behind.


Thanks to Medicaid expansion and state-level policy shifts, more Arkansas women now qualify for low- or no-cost health insurance, including those in ALICE households—Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed—who are often overlooked in traditional healthcare models.



Meet the Advocates on the Ground

We are grateful for the Black Doulas and maternal health champions working tirelessly in our state. Here are two Arkansas-based organizations leading the charge:


Providing statewide support for birthing people, this organization offers services for hospital and home births (with licensed providers), cesarean births, VBACs, labor induction, and more. Their postpartum services include daytime and overnight newborn care, in-home breastfeeding support, and holistic family support.


This collective is building a future where Doula care is accessible to every family. They are actively working with lawmakers to pass legislation that would require insurance companies and Medicaid to cover Doula services—making quality care available to more Arkansas families.

These organizations are part of a growing community dedicated to healing, supporting, and empowering Black mothers and birthing people throughout the state.


What You Can Do

Collective action starts with awareness—but it doesn't stop there. Here’s how you can be part of the change:

  • Support Black Doulas and birth workers in your area

  • Share resources with expectant mothers in your community

  • Advocate for inclusive maternal health policies

  • Donate to local organizations improving maternal health outcomes

  • Continue the conversation year-round—not just during a campaign week



Closing Thoughts

Black maternal health is not a moment—it’s a movement. As women of legacy and light, we at Elite Sisters of Light are committed to showing up for our sisters, our families, and our future. The journey to equitable care is long, but together, we are building a world where every Black woman and birthing person receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve.

Let’s honor our healing legacies—by continuing the work.


Resources:

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page