Hi Reader,

I have been amplifying the voices on Black people over on social media and the response from some people is rage.

That highlights the fact that racism can still hold a place of comfort among care providers.

The irony is, yes, posts about racism should make us angry because racism is killing people.

And yet, what is making some white people upset is they don’t want me to post about racism at all.

There are those who believe pointing out racial disparities is:

- Divisive

- Political

- Emphasizes a problem that no longer exists

- Has nothing to do with VBAC

It is unimaginable to me that anyone who is a perinatal professional can deny the existence and impact of racism in all areas of life, but especially in healthcare.

But, of course, that is the problem: Racism is rampant. Healthcare is no different. Some people refuse to even name the problem, let alone address it. That is why we see worse outcomes in BIPOC.

Here is just one example of how racism impacts outcomes: "The lifelong accumulated experiences of racial discrimination by African American women constitute an independent risk factor for preterm delivery."

There is an abundance of research out there - in addition to the many Black voices talking about racism - which is why it's frustrating when some claim racism is over in the US. It's not.

In this spirit, VBAC Facts® is making the "Understanding Systemic Racism in Maternity Care: The Voices of Black Researchers" training available to the public for free through the end of this month at https://vbacfacts.com/racism.

This training lifts the voices of Black researchers as they center the needs and experiences of Black birthing people:

• Lucinda Canty, RN, MSN, C.N.M. who highlights the resilience of Black women who nearly died during pregnancy, birth or postpartum as well as opportunities for improvement for providers
• Karen Scott, MPH, MD, FACOG who discusses how the individual blame of Black women is a scapegoat for systematic racism, the actual cause of health disparities for Black mothers
• Monica McLemore RN, PhD, FAAN who centers the needs of Black women in the the first study of its kind on preterm birth
• Shafia Monroe, DEM, CDT, MPH who offers providers long term and immediate solutions to disparities
• Ifeyinwa Asiodu PhD, RN, IBCLC who criticizes the high levels of unnecessary cesareans in the US and calls out the role that historical and systemic racism plays

This training was developed within VBAC Facts® professional membership.

We have the opportunity to either stand in solidarity with folks of color or in our silence we can continue to be part of the system that has perpetuated centuries of trauma.

Learning the facts with an open heart and a beginner's mind is a first step.

If you found this training helpful, please share https://vbacfacts.com/racism with your network.

Quick reminder: This training will be available to the public through the end of this month and to VBAC Facts® professional members indefinitely, so if you haven't watched it yet, get started now!

I'd love to hear the most significant thing you learned from this training.

Was there anything that surprised you?

What changes will you make in your practice or community?

What is your next step to fighting racism in maternity care?

Feel free to leave a comment beneath the training or just reply back to me here.

In solidarity,

Jen Kamel
VBAC Facts® Founder

PS: As you think about ways to support BIPOC communities, consider contributing to the VBAC Facts® BIPOC Scholarship Fund.

We offer a sliding scale to BIPOC for professional membership as well as "The Truth About VBAC™ for Families."

​Click here to make a contribution and ensure that VBAC is accessible for ALL.

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