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Editor’s note: In February, the Tulsa World will share a series of thoughts from Black Tulsans about the future of Tulsa and what role they are playing to make it happen. Black women in America have a long, rich history of being scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs, and even vice presidents. Their contributions to society are undeniable, yet in 2025, Black women continue to face a reality — they are dying at rates three to five times higher than their white counterparts during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period.
This tragic statistic persists regardless of education level or economic status, exposing the deep inequities in maternal health care. It is unacceptable that in a country regarded as a global leader in medical advancements, Black women still struggle to receive the quality care they deserve. The systemic racism embedded in healthcare has led to bias, neglect and dismissiveness toward Black mothers, often leading to preventable deaths and lifelong complications.
This is not just a medical issue; it is a human rights crisis. People are also reading..
. Letter: Congressional members need to remember they work for constituents, not president Softball coach Patty Gasso changing OU schedule to benefit California schools Why does Ethan Hawke keep showing up in Tulsa? He's at Cain's and shopping at Target Ryan Walters' visit to Tulsa elementary school draws protesters Chad Weiberg warns Oklahoma State fans revenue-sharing era could set OSU back 'decades' What impression is OU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle making during recruiting visits? AD Joe Castiglione updates OU football’s defensive coordinator, general manager searches Former Tulsa mayor talks about regrets, bloody primaries and more at Press Club luncheon OSBE suspends three Sperry educators' certificates 2024-25 All-World softball: Meet the player of the year finalists and the other honorees Mike Gundy receives pay cut and removal of rollover clause in revised contract New initiative lets Tulsa teachers get $50,000 toward a Habitat for Humanity home Wild OU-LSU game including ejections, technical fouls. What did Jennie Baranczyk think? Tulsa's downtown convention center is getting a new name OSSAA suspending third-ranked Edmond North girls wrestling for the rest of the season Looking ahead, I am pressing toward a future where Black women can give birth with dignity, joy, and confidence —where they are truly heard and cared for.
Every Black mother deserves a safe and supportive birthing experience, free from fear and discrimination. The Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative is dedicated to building a renewed future for Black women by prioritizing joy, safety and equitable healthcare. We are committed to ensuring that Black mothers receive the respect, resources and medical attention necessary to thrive.
Our work is more than advocacy — it is a movement toward justice, toward a world where Black families not only survive but flourish. So as we pause to honor the long impact on our history, we must also remember Black women deserve better. The time to act is now.
Birth equity is not a privilege — it is a right. The collected series: go.tulsaworld.
com/tulsafuture.
