02/09/2026
Black maternal health should not be a matter of survival.
By now, many of us have seen the disturbing video of a Texas woman screaming in pain, visibly in labor, and while her pleas for help went unanswered.
And now, with the recent death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, a physician and midwife who dedicated her life to protecting birthing people, we are once again forced to confront a devastating truth:
Too often, Black women are not believed.... even in moments of visible distress.
If you ever fear you are being mistreated during labor or delivery, here are three steps that can help you advocate for yourself in the moment:
1. Call ahead. Before you arrive, contact the labor and delivery floor to let them know you’re on your way. This helps staff prepare and ensures your arrival is documented.
2. Ask for the charge nurse. If you are not being taken seriously or delays put you at risk, ask for the charge nurse immediately. Afterwards, request to speak with hospital administration to file a formal complaint.
3. Bring an advocate. Have a trusted person, a partner, doula, or friend who can speak up for you. The Texas video was only believed because there was footage. No one should need proof to be treated with dignity, but an advocate can make a real difference.
You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be safe.
If you want to learn more about how to advocate for yourself and connect with clinicians and other families, join our free health community in our bio.