On October 26, more than 250 people, including women, birthing people, governmental agencies, healthcare professionals, insurance providers, maternal support organizations, policy advocates, social determinants of health professionals, and support networks attended the inaugural Birth Justice Philly Summit! The Summit served as a vital platform to highlight the outstanding efforts being made to create an equitable space for all individuals during childbirth. It also provided an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about advancing progress in this important field.
View the program book here which includes speakers biographies, information about the breakout sessions, ways to get involved with local work to forge an equitable maternal health system.
The Summit was hosted by The OVA (Organized Voices for Action), a community action team formed to carry out recommendations that come from the Philadelphia Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC). The goal of The OVA is to implement and support innovative citywide interventions that specifically address the leading contributors to maternal mortality in Philadelphia, as identified by the Philadelphia MMRC. The OVA builds upon existing collaboratives focused on target areas, infuses funding into pilot projects with the potential to improve maternal health, and works across sectors to integrate community voices and solutions into policies and programs.
View more photos from the day here.