Honoring Black Midwives: A Legacy of Resilience, Advocacy, and Healing
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Black individuals across all fields, and among them, Black midwives stand as pillars of strength, wisdom, and care. For centuries, they have played a vital role in maternal and infant health, preserving traditions, advocating for birth equity, and ensuring that families receive the support they deserve. Their journey has been marked by triumphs, challenges, setbacks, and comebacks—but through it all, their legacy of healing has endured.
Black midwives and birth workers are reclaiming their power.
The Roots of Black Midwifery: Guardians of Life
Long before modern medicine, Black midwives were the trusted caregivers for generations of families. Enslaved women used their knowledge of herbal medicine, holistic care, and intuitive practices to support birthing people through labor, even while enduring the brutal realities of slavery themselves. After emancipation, these midwives—often called "Granny Midwives"—became the backbone of maternal health in Black communities, especially in the rural South.
Some of the most notable figures include:
Margaret Charles Smith (1906-2004), one of the last traditional midwives in Alabama, who delivered thousands of babies and shared her invaluable experiences in the book Listen to Me Good.
Mary Coley (1900-1966), a midwife from Georgia, whose dedication was documented in the groundbreaking film All My Babies, showcasing the essential role midwives played in community health.
Shafia Monroe, a modern trailblazer, founded the International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC) to empower and train Black midwives and address disparities in maternal health.
Challenges and the Decline of Midwifery
As the medical industry expanded in the early 20th century, Black midwives faced systemic erasure. The Sheppard-Towner Act (1921) and aggressive campaigns from the American Medical Association (AMA) sought to push births into hospital settings, branding midwives as "unscientific" despite their effectiveness in reducing maternal and infant mortality.
By the mid-1900s, restrictive policies and racial discrimination forced many midwives out of practice, leaving Black communities vulnerable to a medical system that often dismissed their needs. Today, these disparities persist—Black women in the U.S. are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women (CDC, 2023).
The Renaissance of Black Midwifery: Rising from the Ashes
Despite these setbacks, Black midwives and birth workers are reclaiming their power. Organizations like the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM) and Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) are championing policy changes, training future midwives, and fighting for birth justice.
However, challenges remain:
Barriers to midwifery education: Financial and systemic obstacles prevent many aspiring Black midwives from obtaining certification.
Medical racism: Black women still face bias and mistreatment in healthcare settings, leading to higher rates of birth complications.
Restrictive laws: Many states impose regulations that limit midwives' ability to practice freely in their communities.
A Vision for the Future: What’s Next for Black Midwifery?
The resurgence of Black midwifery is paving the way for a future where every birthing person receives the care they deserve. Key initiatives include:
Policy reform: Expanding Medicaid coverage for midwifery care and pushing for state licensure reforms.
Community-led birth centers: Establishing more Black-led birthing spaces that prioritize culturally competent care.
Global connections: Building bridges with African, Caribbean, and Indigenous midwives to share knowledge and strengthen birth practices worldwide.
Resources for Black Birth Workers & Families
Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) – Advocacy and resources for Black maternal health.
National Association to Advance Black Birth (NAABB) – Culturally relevant training and policy work.
The International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC) – Training and support for Black midwives.
Upholding Black midwifery traditions isn’t just about history—it’s about ensuring a healthier, more just future for Black birthing people and their families. As we celebrate the midwives who paved the way, we must continue advocating, educating, and rebuilding systems that prioritize dignity, safety, and respect. The future of Black midwifery is bright, and it’s one we must all work together to protect and uplift.
