BLACK INFANT & MATERNAL HEALTH

We envision a world in which every Black child is born at a healthy weight.

Why Black Infant & maternal Health Matters

Black families continue to face disproportionate risks during pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. In 2022, the infant mortality rate for Black babies in the U.S. was 10.9 deaths per 1,000 live births—nearly double the national average. Black birthing people also face significantly higher risks of complications and mistreatment in clinical settings.

Structural racism, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequities are at the root of this crisis—not individual choices.

New Report:

Black Maternal and Infant Health Disparities Through the Lenses of Anti-Black Racism, Intersectionality & Afrofuturism:
A LITERATURE REVIEW

This literature review examines the root causes behind health disparities, highlighting how anti-Black racism affects not just care access, but the very health of Black birthing people and their babies. It calls for a shift away from symptom-focused solutions toward root-cause strategies rooted in equity and community wisdom.

download the report

New Report:

Advancing Health Equity for Black Families: Insights From RAPID AND NBCDI’S VISION FOR BLACK FAMILIES

This foundational report explores the ongoing impact of racism in clinical care and early childhood environments, using data from the RAPID Survey and NBCDI’s community research. It reveals how racial trauma, socioeconomic disparities, and historical injustices contribute to poor outcomes—and calls for structural reforms grounded in Black community knowledge.

read the equity report

NBCDI has launched a national Task Force of experts, parents,
and advocates to lead a first-of-its-kind study exploring low
birth weight among Black infants and the mental, emotional,
and ecological conditions that contribute to disparities.

 

Grounded in NBCDI’S Eight Essential Outcomes and our Afrofuturist Systems Design Process, the Task Force is committed to co-creating culturally responsive policy solutions rooted in the lived experiences of Black families.

Scholars. Birthworkers. Parents.

We’re doing this together.

Alycia Hardy
Leah Hairston
Dr. Tiffany Younger
Gloria Blevins
Dr. Nedra Goss- Washington
Darlene Walker
Dr. Kesha Baptiste-Roberts
Dr. Keiondra Grace
Brad Edwards

Dr. Leslie Farrington
Kimberly Seals-Allers
Inas- Khalidah Mahdi
Shawnee Gibson
Tanya Coles
Chelsea Dorsey
Sebrena Tate
Dr. Marilyn Berchie-Gialamas
Valerie Mitchell
Kaytura Felix, MD

CORE FOCUS AREAS:

  • Low birth weight and contributing comorbidities
  • Impact of anxiety, depression, and stress
  • Community-designed health interventions
  • Policy recommendations for federal, state, and local levels
GET INVOLVED.
STAY INFORMED.
TAKE ACTION.

Change begins with community. Sign up for updates, join upcoming events, and help us push for systems that protect and uplift Black birthing people and babies.

BIMH