REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will have grave consequences for all birthing people, especially those who are undergoing fertility treatment, have high-risk pregnancies, receive a life-limiting or fatal diagnosis for their baby, or experience any type of pregnancy loss. We are already hearing stories of birthing parents traveling across state lines or waiting hours in an emergency room for life-saving care while doctors consult their attorneys.
We also know that the gravest consequences will be felt by those who have limited resources and face barriers to medical care, including low-income and financially disadvantaged people, residents in rural areas, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Below are the dire statistics, which will only continue to worsen.
Black women are 3-4x more likely to die from pregnancy related causes then white women.
Black infants have 2.3x the infant mortality rate compared to white babies and are 3.8 times as likely to die from complications related to low birth weight.
Black women over the age of 30 are 4-5x more likely to lose their baby than their white counterparts.
Black women with a college degree are 5x more likely to lose their baby than white women with a high school education.
At RTZ HOPE we acknowledge the complexity of emotions experienced in the wake of such devastating news and recognize the significant impact this decision has on our collective community. As a national organization committed to engaging a global community of bereaved parents and their health providers to improve mental health outcomes after pregnancy and infant loss, we strongly believe that perinatal mental and physical health is dependent on reproductive justice.
At a time when many of us have more questions than answers, we—like many of you—are also called to action.
Here is what we are doing:
We will continue to offer non-judgmental, supportive spaces for those who have experienced loss during the journey to parenthood, as well as work with health providers to ensure they have the tools to deliver compassionate care in times of greatest need.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to provide safe spaces for bereaved parents to receive support services. As such, we are reviewing the confidentiality clause outlined in our support group registration forms and will revise or expand it if necessary. We will also continue to conduct virtual support groups on Zoom with the waiting room function enabled and required for entry to ensure only registered participants are allowed entry.
We will continue ongoing efforts to educate ourselves about trauma-informed care principles and practices and endeavor to integrate them into all our business operations.
We will continue to support and promote legislation such as The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2022 and Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education [SHINE] for Autumn Act that addresses disparities in healthcare for those who have experienced a stillbirth or other types of pregnancy or infant loss.
Here are some things you can do:
Practice self-care. There are so many high emotions right now, and it’s important we are all taking care of ourselves.
Seek support. Now is an especially triggering time for those of us who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. If you or someone you know needs support, please consider participating in one of our virtual support groups or find someone in our provider directory who can offer 1:1 support.
Give support. RTZ HOPE is driven by the power and passion of volunteers and donors who believe in the work we are doing. Make your donation today.
As we all grapple with the consequences of recent events, we stand with you—our community—in solidarity and service. We honor you and your babies. We will keep going….
RACIAL JUSTICE
It is important to address the fact that there is a large part of the loss community whose needs aren’t being met. Black birthing parents and infants are dying at disproportionately higher rates than those from different backgrounds.
We acknowledge that there is systemic racism in America. This means that institutional policies, practices, and laws are designed to create advantages for people who aren’t of color; and, as a consequence, creates disadvantages for people who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, or economically disadvantaged.
As Bryan Steveson, founder/executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative and creator of the film Just Mercy, says, “We have an opportunity to create a new America.” RTZ HOPE wants to be part of the solution and change the culture of pregnancy and infant loss by addressing racial inequity in accessing support services and resources after the death of a baby.
It’s time to examine implicit biases and understand what racism and racial equity mean to all of us, both as individuals and as an organization. We understand that this process will be uncomfortable for some, but we know that it’s okay to feel this way. Just as with grief, acknowledging and sitting with the discomfort of injustice expands our ability to change.
RTZ HOPE is committed to educating about and confronting the experience of systemic racism in our country by:
Exploring implicit biases by using specialized approaches
Watching films and expanding our reading list to include and celebrate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color's voices, experiences and perspectives
Sharing in open and honest dialogue
Actively engaging our board of directors and clinical advisory board to address racial disparities in health care
We recognize this is an ever-evolving process, and as an organization, we pledge to take additional steps to be actively anti-racist by:
Increasing awareness of systemic racism impacts on perinatal health care
Creating opportunities for safe and open conversations about grieving and healing in the Black community
Connecting with Black owned nonprofits/support groups in the baby loss community and using the RTZ HOPE platform to raise their capacity and visibility
Funding a position to spearhead community engagement with Black owned nonprofits in the baby loss community
Raising money dedicated to scholarships for Black bereaved parents for retreats and other support
Increasing diversity on our board of directors and clinical advisory board
There are many aspects of pregnancy and infant loss that we cannot control, but equity and equality for all birthing parents and babies is something we can and should expect. We are dedicated to ensuring that RTZ HOPE remains a space that offers resources, education, and support in shattering the silence around not just pregnancy and infant loss but also the injustices that can lead to them.