04/18/2026
As we wrap up our reflections for Black Maternal Health Week, we wanted to share one final, vital perspective from our team. We asked Allyah what she wishes every Black woman knew about their right to advocacy and autonomy in the birth space.
Allyah’s response is a beautiful reminder that your voice isn't something you have to leave at the hospital door.
In Allyah’s words:
"One thing I wish every Black woman knew about their rights to advocacy and autonomy within the healthcare and birthing space is that your vision for your birth is valid, and you have the right to actively shape how that experience unfolds.
You are not required to surrender your voice, your intuition, or your preferences once you enter a hospital or care setting. You have the right to ask questions, to understand every procedure being offered, and to consent or decline based on informed understanding, not pressure or fear.
You also have the right to choose a care team that aligns with your needs, values, and desired birth experience. Care is not just clinical it is relational. And you deserve providers who listen, take your concerns seriously, and collaborate with you rather than override you.
I also wish more Black women knew that anxiety in pregnancy and birth is often a signal, not something to dismiss. If something feels off, overwhelming, or unclear, you are allowed to slow the process down and request clarity. You are allowed to be heard without having to escalate or advocate from a place of distress.
Too often, women are taught to be “strong” in ways that actually silence their needs. But true strength in birth is knowing that your body, your voice, and your intuition all matter equally in decision-making.
You deserve care that is not just technically competent, but also respectful, attentive, and rooted in partnership not power struggle."
We are carrying Allyah’s words with us as we move forward. Black Maternal Health Week may be coming to a close, but the work of protecting these rights and centering these voices happens every single day in every birth room we enter.
Thank you to all our doulas for sharing their hearts with us this week. 🖤