There's a bit of an internal dilemma that surfaces for me when I'm confronted with disparities related to women’s rights or maternal rights.
There is no question that I am, in fact, a woman. And as of 2012, was blessed to be made a mother. However, I am first, black. Historically, in this world, my skin color precedes all other physical and behavioral idiosyncrasies. It is the one thing that I am characterized and categorized by first. It is what presents, for me, unique experiences and challenges.
I see that there's a maternal crisis in America. That our maternal care is the worst of all the developed nations. That roughly 700 women (and counting) die every year from pregnancy and delivery related complications. And, in states like Texas where I live, 4 out of 5 of these deaths are PREVENTABLE. However, the glaring statistic within this dreadful data is that BIPOC women make up the majority of these numbers.
There's no doubt that I'm challenged by the adversities that come with the lack of support, resources and social policies which are specific to motherhood. However, before facing any of them, I am impacted by generational stigmas specific to my race, ethnicity and skin color. All of which are not synonymous. It's important to me that the variances are seen, acknowledged and prioritized. It’s important to me that disparities are addressed and mitigated; first and foremost.
This is just with relation to the maternal mortality rates in America. But don’t worry, we’re just getting started...and we don’t plan on quitting anytime soon.
The Maternal Revolution is happening.
Nat
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