Arizona State University

Final Paper: Civic Engagement, Identity and Group Mobilization

Elizabeth Pray
 Introduction

In the United States, it is estimated that 17.5 percent of 100,000 women

lose their lives to child birthing or undiagnosed problems related to during the

birthing process and after delivery. These problems can range from

undiagnosed cardiovascular issues such as a stroke to hemorrhaging,

rupturing, and left unchecked, death. This number jumps up to 43 percent for

African American women and other persons of color; that statistic over double

what the national average claims. This paper will discuss organizations that

are shedding light on this horrific statistic and how we as a whole community

can prevent it. Black Mamas Matter, or BMM, is a non-profit organization

committed to fighting for justice, equality, and the right to pre and post-natal

care for all women of color.

Identity

Black Mamas Matter is a group that focuses on the injustices of the

healthcare system towards women of color and specifically African American

women. The alliance is a woman-led cross-sectoral group which means that

they also work with other organizations and groups to make the cultural shift

necessary for women of color to thrive throughout pregnancy. One of the

groups they partner with is the Center for reproductive rights, also known as

CPR, which uses the power of the law to uphold reproductive service providers
accountable. This shared identity and cross-collaboration has greatly helped

make the organization what it is today.

Social Capital and Social Engagement

The social capital of this group is those who have been mistreated purely

based on race during one of the most challenging, difficult times of pregnancy.

Because of the sometimes subtle and not so subtle racism in the healthcare

system has created increasing maternal death during and after birth. Still, it

has also shed light on an ever-growing problem in our society. BMM also

provides a national platform, social media platform to elevate people of color

maternal health. For this organization, civic and social engagement comes in

many forms. From April 11th to the 17th, they led the Black maternal health

week movement, which coincided with National Minority Health Month.

During this week, Doctor Shannon M. Clark, a specialist in Maternal-Fetal

Medicine, used her platform on Instagram to highlight and echo the health

disparities within the African American community. Some statistics she found

where women of color had a 38 percent higher chance of developing

postpartum depression compared to caucasian women, which were only 13 to

19 percent. Women of color were less likely to receive treatment for

postpartum care, and that the percentage gap also reflects screening for mood

disorders. This cross-collaboration with a medical profession brings attention

to the organization and a pressing matter in the healthcare field.

 Mobilization

This group utilizes its social media platform and hosts monthly and

weekly events to educate the public about the high maternal mortality rate.

One event they hosted recently and that I got to attend was the Black Maternal

Health Conference. It opened my eyes to just how much more work on racial

equality we as a whole country need to do, especially for those who are to

become child caregivers. The organization also hosts Black Maternal Health

regional summits, which, like the health conference, mobilizes all women and

men to get involved with reproductive legal strategies and advocate for your

health.

Conclusion

Many of the men and women who come to this organization with

questions have often witnessed or experienced themselves whats it is like to be

discriminated against in a vulnerable setting. It has repeatedly found

themselves at the end of their ropes, whether with a legal proceeding for

malpractice or support after losing a loved one, their child, or both in the

birthing process. This organization seeks out justice for those who feel they do

not have a voice in this country, and it’s time we listen.

 Citations and Resources

Patton, John. “Racism and Its Affects on Pain Control for Black and

Brown Persons.” Instagram, uploaded by Shannon M. Clark, 25 Jan. 2021,

www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17877625070111149.

“Black Mamas Matter Alliance - Advancing Black Maternal Health.”

Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 10 Mar. 2020, blackmamasmatter.org.

“Pregnancy Mortality Surveillence.” CDC, 25 Nov. 2020,

www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternal-mortality/pregnancy-mortality-s

urveillance-system.htm.