Expanding Perinatal Care for All: Black Mamas Matter Alliance

In April 2023 and 2024, Birth Justice grantee Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) held its annual Black Maternal Health Week, which calls attention to Black maternal health advocacy, policy changes, research, advancing care, and shifting culture.

Last year, BMMA launched its comprehensive policy agenda, which reflects the learning and recommendations needed to address the Black maternal health crisis.

Many of BMMA’s policy recommendations are now included in pending federal legislation, including Medicaid expansion for postpartum and low-income adults, which is associated with reductions in maternal and infant mortality.

The policy agenda also expands ways that Medicaid can support more diverse perinatal workforces to include more doulas and midwives and prioritize perinatal mental health care.