Sacred Reflections: Why Birth Work Must Be Rooted in Social Justice
In times of emergency and conflict, we are often told to look after women and children first.
But what does it actually mean to protect women, birthing people, and children when the systems meant to support them are failing?
We are living through a moral crisis globally including genocides and atrocities in Palestine, Sudan, Congo as well as domestically. These conditions represent a convergence of forces that strip autonomy, undermine care, and normalize harm. Reproductive rights are eroded. Families are destabilized. Maternal health outcomes worsen, especially for Black, Indigenous, disabled, and low-income communities.
Birth is sacred and profoundly represents an emotional, social, and spiritual restructuring all at once. Caring for someone as they embark on the journey of parenthood means contending with housing insecurity, racism, immigration status, disability access, and mental health.
As a small business owner, I worry about being seen as too political or too outspoken.
My friends, we have come to a deep inflection point. Silence is not neutral. It signals consent to harm.
I ground myself, and my business practice with the words of Audre Lorde:
I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own
This belief shapes how I practice, how I advocate, and how I show up for my community. Birthwork must always stay rooted in social justice, not serving comfort over care and supplanting ease over ethics.
Care for others. Care for yourself. And know your rights.
Resources
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Free, confidential, 24/7 support for pregnant and postpartum people
1-833-TLC-MAMA
Postpartum Support International
Free, confidential help line and online resources
1-800-944-4773
Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or text 988