Columbia School of Social Work Co-Sponsors Shaping Lives, Changing Policy: A Legislative Breakfast on Black Maternal Health

Last month, Columbia School of Social Work had the privilege of co-sponsoring Shaping Lives, Shaping Policy: A Legislative Breakfast on Black Maternal Health in partnership with the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty, Policy and Research. 

The event began with opening remarks from NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and NYC Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams. Both are the first Black women in their respective positions and are at the forefront of necessary policy change in the maternal health space. 

Black women and birthing people are six times more likely to lose their lives from childbirth complications than their white counterparts. For far too long, “we have accepted maternal mortality as an unfortunate casualty,” said Speaker Adams. “This is an urgent public health emergency.” 

Following the opening remarks were two separate panel discussions, both moderated by Eboni K. Williams, esteemed author and attorney. The first panel introduced professionals in the healthcare and clinical space, featuring physicians, midwives, program directors, professors, and more. 

“More than 75% of these deaths are preventable – 50% of the deaths occur seven days after giving birth,” said Dr. Cyrus McCalla, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at One Brooklyn Health. 

According to the experts, attention needs to be focused towards mental health as a fundamental solution for eradicating Black maternal mortality. Expecting mothers should be surrounded by love, first and foremost, as well as family, medical professionals, a midwife, a doula, nurses, and community members to ensure they are receiving safe and holistic care. 

“40% of Black women and birthing people are experiencing mental health conditions that go untreated,” said Dr. Dilice Robertson, clinical associate professor at NYU Meyers College of Nursing. With centuries of medical racism in our country’s history, it is both devastating and no surprise that Black patients are not taken seriously when it comes to their physical and emotional pain. With integrated care that happens sooner, patients are able to discuss their many desires and fears about giving birth without judgment or further persecution. 

The next panel discussion focused on legislative successes and priorities. Panelists highlighted the work of the New York City Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC), made up of 46 members from diverse backgrounds and experiences. For behavioral health scientists like Dr. Natasha J. Williams, associate professor at the Institute for Excellence in Health Equity at NYU, disseminating information from the MMRC and bringing tangible solutions to communities that need it most is always an utmost priority. 

“Policy can heal, or it can harm,” said NYS Senator Lea Webb. In 2022, the New York City Council passed a historic, 11-bill package for maternal health and well-being. The package includes more education and information surrounding midwife services, increased research on sexual and reproductive health disparities, a pilot program for training doulas, and much more. 

“I would not be here without my doula,” said NYS Senator Samra G. Brouk. With more birthing equity improvement programs, lawmakers in New York are advocating for increased insurance coverage for and the implementation of doulas in more maternal care facilities. Doulas provide crucial guidance and emotional support for the birthgiver – their community-based approach ensures that all the mental, physical, and emotional needs of the pregnant person are being met.

Every single speaker and panelist of the day could recall an experience with blatant racism and maltreatment while trying to receive maternal care that led to severe health complications – some have lost children. If it didn’t happen to them personally, it was their mother, their sister, their friend. 

“No one should die from preventable causes,” said Speaker Adrienne E. Adams. “We are human, and we hurt.” 

Additional Sponsors: Greater New York Chapter of the Links, Inc., NYC Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice, National Action Network, New York Urban League, One Brooklyn Health, NYC Commission on Gender Equity, NYC Her Future, NYU Langone Health, NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, and NYU Silver School of Social Work.