Boston’s Neighborhood Birth Center, founded by Nashira Baril, aims to address the maternal health disparities faced by Black individuals. These disparities result from systemic racism that permeates society and has nothing to do with genetics or inherent risks. The New Commonwealth Fund has granted $300,000 to the birth center in honor of Black Maternal Health Week to establish Boston’s first community birth center that focuses on midwifery care in Roxbury.
Baril envisions a birthing center that provides a comfortable and supportive environment for expectant parents. The center will feature amenities such as queen-sized beds, spacious walk-in showers, and a birthing tub that accommodates partners or support persons. The initiative aims to address the gaps in maternal health care for Black individuals and provide a safe and inclusive space for pregnancy and childbirth in the community.
Black birthing individuals face a much higher maternal mortality and morbidity risk compared to white individuals, with two to three times the likelihood of experiencing these negative outcomes. Baril emphasizes that there is a crisis in maternal health that disproportionately affects communities of color, particularly Black individuals. She attributes this disparity to the systemic racism that permeates every aspect of society.
