In September 2020, NAASC and March of Dimes launched a partnership focused on ending the racial disparities that exist for black mothers and babies. Black women are 2-3 times more likely to die during childbirth or in the first year after giving birth. Black babies are more likely to be born premature or low birthweight. These outcomes have lifelong impacts on family and community health. As the largest women's HBCU with 20,000 alumnae across the globe, Spelman students, faculty, staff, and alumnae are well positioned to change the national narrative on health disparities. Together with the March of Dimes, we hope to support black women to take care of and advocate for themselves before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure that black women and their children survive and thrive.
