Birthing Justice is a concise yet powerful documentary that sheds light on the social injustices deeply ingrained within the healthcare system in the United States.
What should be a moment of pure joy is often a battleground for Black women–shockingly, the U.S. ranks 23rd in maternal and infant mortality among developed nations, with Black women being three to four times more likely to lose their lives during childbirth than white women.
Weaving together expert commentary with poignant personal narratives, Birthing Justice explores the structures and systems influencing the high mortality rates of Black women and their babies.Giving voice to those directly affected, Birthing Justice amplifies the stories of Black women who have endured traumatic pregnancies and births, alongside healthcare professionals advocating for improved healthcare for Black women. Uniform treatment for all isn’t the goal–equity, rather than equality, is what the health care system needs.
Unpacking the roots of systematic racism in medicine, the documentary traces its origins back to the Flexner Report of 1910. Standardizing medical practices, this report led to the closure of numerous Black Medical Schools at Historic Black Colleges and Universities. A century later, the repercussions linger, with less than 5% of practicing doctors in the U.S. being Black.
Please note that the film contains explicit footage and images of childbirth and prenatal examinations, making it unsuitable for a young audience.
What kind of film series would this documentary fit in?
Birthing Justice would be suitable for a film series centered around themes of racial discrimination, gender issues, and health inequities. It is also an ideal choice for a film series dedicated to Black History Month or Women's History Month.
What can this educational documentary be used as a resource for?
Birthing Justice can be used as a teaching tool in universities to enhance discussions on healthcare disparities, racial discrimination, and gender issues. It could also be incorporated into training programs for healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of healthcare disparities.