National Black Maternal Health Week runs April 11-17. It’s a time to raise awareness and address the systemic inequities and health disparities that disproportionately impact Black mothers. Host Stephen Henderson sits down with Leseliey Welch, co-founder & CEO of Birth Center Equity, and Cassy Jones-McBryde, founder of the Michigan Chamber for Reproductive Justice.

They talk about the state of Black maternal health in Detroit and the inequity in outcomes and care options for Black mothers. Welch explains her advocacy for an increase in community birth centers and midwifery care. Jones-McBryde talks about the importance of making policy changes that promote birth equity in every system impacting Black maternal health, such as housing, prison, and the right to counsel.