EQUITY, ANTI-RACISM, & SOCIAL JUSTICE

MANY INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCE DISCRIMINATION AND SYSTEMS OF OPPRESSION

IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, SOCIAL DIFFERENCES AND HEALTH DISPARITIES AFFECT THE BIRTHING PERSON, INFANT AND THEIR FAMILY DIFFERENTLY.

Examples include ethnicity, race, citizenship status, economic status, educational background, age, language, sexual orientation, and religion. These barriers and inequities result in poor pregnancy, birth and adverse health outcomes for both the birthing person and infants, which is why birth equity is important. As healthcare providers we are in a unique position and have a certain power hierarchy over the individuals who seek our care and support, especially those who are vulnerable. BREATHE Midwifery understands and recognizes that as facilitators in healthcare, we can be part of the process that helps to change and eventually help eradicate racism, social inequities, discrimination, and oppression that many of the black, racialized and marginalized individuals who make up our community and seek our care experience.

WE WILL REMAIN ACCOUNTABLE TO BLACK, AS WELL AS, OTHER RACIALIZED AND MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES. WE ARE COMMITTED IN BEING SUPPORTERS TO HELP AMPLIFY THEIR VOICES

BREATHE MIDWIVES IS COMMITTED IN THE EXAMINATION OF THE INSTITUTIONAL PRACTICES FOR EQUITY IN HOW THE COMMUNITY IS SERVED USING AN ANTI-BLACK, ANTI-RACISM, SOCIAL JUSTICE, EQUITY FRAMEWORK.

BREATHE Midwives also understands that staff, volunteers, and students who are black, racialized and marginalized, also face racism and discrimination. Representation matters, and their lived experience are important. Therefore, we are committed to supporting the growth and diversity of professionals, volunteers, and students who support the individuals and families in the reproductive sector. This means hiring staff that represents the community, implemented support systems and mentorship programs for inter-professional staff, volunteers, and students that identify as black, racialize and marginalized to support one other and better serve the community.

TAKING CONTINUOUS STEPS TO GROW, LEARN AND LISTEN.

BREATHE MIDWIVES WILL BE AN INCLUSIVE, SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS, MEMBERS, STAFF AND STUDENTS.

The members of the community will be provided with education and tools to they can use to empower and advocate for themselves. All team members of BREATHE Midwives will be provided initial and continuing education to support the learning and dismantling of racism in the personal, institutional, and systemic realms. This education will also be available to those interested in being allies and accomplices. This will provide a foundation and allow those to better serve the community by examining their own values, biases and cultural beliefs; not just with knowledge, but with the tools to take action.