“Homebirth Journey: Saving Black Moms” on The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper.

On December 18th, we joined hundreds of thousands of viewers across the United States in watching  “Homebirth Journey: Saving Black Moms” on The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper. In her report, CNN anchor Abby Phillip delves into the persistently high maternal mortality rates for Black women, exploring the reasons behind this alarming disparity and those dedicated to instigating change.  Abby connects with mothers who are choosing alternative paths, opting out of conventional hospital births.

“The deeply personal journey to this story began with my own pregnancy in 2020,” said Phillip.  “Like millions of black women, I simply wanted to feel safe and stay alive when giving birth to my daughter. The women featured are each in their own way changing the face of both the black maternal health crisis and its solutions.” Phillip added “this episode is a journey from fear to empowerment with lessons that could help save the lives of ALL women.”

The episode features Kimberly Durdin, LM, CPM, IBCLC cofounder of Kindred Space, the only Black-owned birthing center in LA, where Certified Professional Midwives are fostering a sense of community and safety for pregnant people.

Seeing the benefits of midwifery integration take center stage in mainstream media not only validates the work we're committed to at NACPM but also propels us toward a brighter future for birthing individuals in the United States. With the current landscape aligning with our vision, we find inspiration, hope, and dedication to promoting birth equity and improving outcomes for all individuals giving birth in the United States.

To watch or listen to the full episode, visit cnn.com.