Building a Future Where Black Moms and Babies Thrive

Published Apr 9, 2025

By Kyra Betts

Meet Kyra

I’m Kyra Betts, a maternal and infant health advocate, policy strategist, and the vice president of The Doula Lab. I also lead as the manager of policy and advocacy at Generate Health. I’ve dedicated my career to building bridges between policy and people — ensuring that Black families are not only seen, but deeply supported, informed and empowered. Whether I’m pushing for legislative reform, advocating within institutions or designing grassroots programs like Dads to Doulas, my mission remains the same: to dismantle the systemic barriers and to uplift the voices of our communities to improve Black maternal and infant health. 

What Black Maternal Health Week Means to Me

Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) is both a war cry and a rallying call. It’s the moment Black birthing people collectively shout, “This is happening to us” — and demand that the world listen. It’s a sacred time for truth-telling, education, advocacy and mobilization. 

But this week is not just about awareness — it’s about action. It’s about shifting power, amplifying community-led solutions, and insisting on systems that honor and protect Black life. It’s a time to reflect on the urgency of this work and recommit to the transformation our communities so deeply deserve. 

The Challenges Black Patients Face

The barriers Black patients encounter in maternal and infant care are not new — they’re historical and systemic. Systemic racism, implicit bias and medical neglect continue to shape our experiences in the health care system. Many Black women report that their pain is underestimated, their concerns go unheard and their autonomy is disregarded. 

Disparities in access to quality prenatal care, unnecessary medical interventions and the chronic stress caused by racism all contribute to poor outcomes for Black families. These issues aren’t random — they’re the result of deeply rooted systemic injustice, and they demand equally deep structural change. 

Programs and Resources for Black and BIPOC Families

Many organizations and programs are working tirelessly to close these gaps and provide culturally affirming support. Here are just a few. 

• Community-Based Doula Programs – Many organizations offer free or low-cost doulas to Black and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) families, ensuring personalized, culturally rooted care. 
• Dads to Doulas (Dear Fathers) – I created this program to equip Black fathers with doula-level knowledge, so they can confidently support their partners and advocate for better birth outcomes. 
• Black Mamas Matter Alliance – This group provides advocacy tools, education and resources specifically focused on Black maternal health. 
• Generate Health – This organization works directly with Black communities in St. Louis to eliminate disparities in maternal and infant outcomes. 
• March of Dimes Support Networks – These networks offer resources and support for Black parents navigating pregnancy and early parenthood. 

What Organizations Can Do to Improve Health Care for Black Moms and Babies

It starts with listening. Listen to Black women.   

Understand that you cannot “train your way out” of racism. Real change comes from reevaluating and restructuring how we approach maternal care at every level. 

Treat doulas and midwives as integral parts of the care team.  

We need to invest in community-centered models of care and trust that solutions already exist within the communities most impacted.  

While we can’t rewrite history, we can stop repeating it if we’re willing to confront and unlearn the roots. 

My Hope for the Future

I want Black mothers and babies to have a fair shot — not just at survival, but at thriving. I envision a future where we are believed, protected and cared for with dignity — where our systems don’t just respond to crises, but proactively center our joy, our health and our humanity. 

We deserve better. And together, we can build it.