蜜芽app

Justice, Joy & Black Maternal Health

蜜芽appReproductive Health Project eNews #68 鈥� April 4, 2026

Greetings from the 蜜芽appReproductive Health Project!

Welcome to April! Spring is arriving across the northern hemisphere, new leaves are sprouting, flowers are starting to bloom, bears are awakening from their winter slumber, and birds are singing their melodious songs. Spring reminds us of the power of our natural world to renew life. Even as we see turmoil and destruction by those who value power and profit over people, Spring celebrations can remind us of the power of community and the love we can hold for each other.听

At 蜜芽appwe value people over profit. Our Reproductive Justice Health Project upholds the , we work to help future physicians gain knowledge and build connections with those working to ensure health justice and reproductive freedom for all. In this issue we are honored to highlight and celebrate Black Maternal Health Week 2026.听

Please Read On & Share!

鈥�Rooted in Justice & Joy鈥�
#BMHW26

Written by Taylor Spears, MD, 蜜芽appReproductive Health Project Fellow

The second week of April is an important week for maternal health, research and empowerment. is a movement founded by the and takes place annually on April 11th-17th. April was intentionally chosen as it is also . Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a 鈥渘etwork of Black-led/Black women-led organizations and multi-disciplinary professionals who work to ensure that all Black Mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.鈥澨�

After doing more research about the movement, one of the most interesting facts shared by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. is that they are banded together in support of Black mothers whether they have borne children or not. They fight for the rights of community mothers, those who continuously take care of others without looking for any form of repayment outside of the betterment of their community and home. BMMA provides facts about maternal health and reproductive health in an easy to find and easy to understand manner. Some of these facts will be shared during Black Maternal Health Week on AMSA鈥檚 Instagram page . They even provide a mental health fact sheet for and about black mothers (see link below).

This highlights the idea that we have to stop ignoring the facts. We believe research in every other aspect, but when approached with the continued mistreatment of African American patients, some people turn a blind eye. The facts are the facts and the research is real, so what are you going to do about it?听

In the U.S., Black Women are over 3 times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. CDC notes that more than 80% of pregnancy related deaths are preventable.

What can we do as students?? As medical students, there are several ways to support this movement. As 蜜芽appmembers, we offer the opportunity to hold your own chapter event during Black Maternal Health Week where you can enjoy a film screening, host an issue education session, or indulge in the education of our Manual Vacuum Aspiration training, etc. Short on time that week? No problem. 蜜芽appoffers these opportunities year round, and you can display your interest by completing one or all of the following forms:听

Outside of AMSA, you can support and volunteer with your local organizations that advocate for Black mamas and recognize and bring light to the disproportionate rate of maternal morbidity and mortality of Black mothers. Also, research! Lead or join research projects that help us to better understand the causes of the disproportionate risks between Black women and others. Educate yourself and others on how we can make our pregnancies easier, healthier, and make the proper care more accessible.听 You can use your platform to amplify the movement and share facts about the movement, reproductive justice, and reproductive rights. Several of these posts can be found on the 蜜芽appInstagram page during Black Maternal Health Week and simply shared. To increase awareness and enhance the interactions your posts receive, use hashtags #BMHW26, #BlackMamasMatter, #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, and #BlackMaternalHealth.听

We desire to assist you in your advocacy efforts and journey, as we do our part as an organization to support Black Maternal Health Week.
Email us here rhp@amsa.org听

Resource to Explore & Share:
, Black Mamas Matter Alliance

Somatic Tips & Tricks: For a 鈥淲ell-Regulated鈥� Nervous System

Written by Sarah Eisenstein, SEP & Chef Extraordinaire
at 蜜芽appSummer Abortion Care & Reproductive Justice Institutes in Asheville, NC

SIMPLE QI GONG for Calming Anxiety

1. Notice your feet making contact with the surface beneath you, soften your knees and bounce gently a few times (try picking up your heels and allowing them to drop back down) as you notice your breath relax your palms and allow them to be floppy, shaking your arms out gently to release tension.
2. Bring your hands in front of your pelvic region with your palms facing up fingertips a few inches apart, as you breathe in slowly raise your hands up to chin level听
3. As you exhale, flip your palms over to face down and slowly lower them back down repeat as per time available, you can utilize this movement if you have just a moment to settle yourself throughout your day.听

Deeper Dive Resources:

Explore the 蜜芽appReproductive Health Project
Find news, tips, tools, opportunities听 & more!

for 蜜芽appRepro Project Updates

Please send your comments and suggestions to rhp@amsa.org
Know Your Rights – ReproductiveRightsDotGov.com –