Deconstructing Racism

The history of obstetrics and gynecology in the US and its medicalization cannot be told without discussing the history of slavery and the structural racism within the US healthcare system that ensues. Movements having the greatest impact in fighting to change the racialization of maternal health historically are largely rooted in community involvement and activism. They are coming from birthing justice activists, as well as cis and gender-diverse individuals and their families who are demanding change for birthing people. Demand for change is also coming from healthcare providers who do not want to witness another unnecessary death. The birthing center oral histories teach how women have experienced racism and participated in building a new model.