Honoring Black & Latinx Women Leading the Birth Justice Movement – Women’s History Month 2025
Empowering Change Through Birth Justice
March is a time to honor the powerful women who have shaped history, and 2025 marks another opportunity to recognize the incredible contributions of Black and Latinx women in the birth justice movement. In Contra Costa County and beyond, these women are creating change, advocating for healthier birth outcomes, and ensuring that every mother has access to respectful, culturally competent care.
At FIERCE Advocates, we proudly celebrate their efforts, especially through the impactful work of CoCo Doulas—a program dedicated to supporting Black and Latinx families in their journey toward healthy births. As we reflect on Women's History Month this year, we honor the courage, leadership, and dedication of women who have been at the forefront of this critical movement.
Black and Latinx Women Driving the Birth Justice Movement
The birth justice movement is deeply rooted in the struggle for racial, social, and reproductive justice. For Black and Latinx women, the fight for equitable maternal health care is not just a policy issue—it’s a matter of survival. These women have long faced systemic barriers in the healthcare system, from higher rates of maternal mortality to disparities in treatment and care. But they are also leaders—pushing for change, organizing, and advocating for a future where every mother has the tools, resources, and support she needs to thrive.
This Women's History Month, we recognize the resilience and impact of these trailblazers who are challenging the status quo. Whether through community organizing, policy change, or hands-on support for birthing families, Black and Latinx women continue to pave the way for a future where birth justice is a reality for all.
CoCo Doulas: A Program Changing the Landscape of Birth Justice in Contra Costa County
One of the most powerful examples of women leading the charge for birth justice is the CoCo Doulas program offered by FIERCE Advocates. This community-based doula service provides free, culturally relevant support to Black and Latinx mothers in Contra Costa County. CoCo Doulas is not only a doula service but also a training program that empowers women in the community to become trained doulas themselves, passing down essential knowledge and care to future generations.
In Contra Costa County, where racial disparities in maternal health persist, CoCo Doulas is making a direct impact by offering physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers throughout their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum journey. By ensuring that birthing families receive culturally competent care from doulas who understand their specific needs and experiences, CoCo Doulas is fostering healthier births and stronger communities.
The Power of Community-Based Doula Care
The work of CoCo Doulas is a perfect example of the power of community-based doula care. Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous, personalized support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. For Black and Latinx women, having a doula who shares their cultural background can make all the difference in ensuring they feel heard, understood, and respected during one of the most significant moments in their lives.
Community-based doulas are more than just birth companions—they are trusted members of the community who know the cultural, social, and emotional needs of the families they serve. This unique form of support leads to better birth outcomes, increased satisfaction with the birth experience, and stronger, healthier families.
Celebrating Women Who Lead the Way
This Women's History Month, let’s take a moment to celebrate the women who are driving change in birth justice. From the mothers who demand better care to the doulas and advocates who provide crucial support, the contributions of Black and Latinx women in this movement cannot be overstated.
By lifting up the voices and leadership of these women, we not only honor their work but also ensure that their legacies continue. As we reflect on their contributions, we are reminded of the importance of community, advocacy, and empowerment in the fight for maternal health equity.
Take Action: How You Can Support the Birth Justice Movement
Celebrating Women’s History Month is more than just reflection—it’s a call to action. Here are a few ways you can join the movement for birth justice and support the work of CoCo Doulas:
Spread Awareness: Share the importance of birth justice and the work of CoCo Doulas with your friends and family. Awareness is the first step toward creating change.
Support CoCo Doulas: If you or someone you know is expecting, consider utilizing the free doula services provided by CoCo Doulas. Their culturally competent care can make a profound difference in the birth experience.
Become a Doula: Are you passionate about supporting birthing families? Consider joining the CoCo Doulas training program and become a part of the community-based care revolution.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future of Birth Justice
As we celebrate Women’s History Month in 2025, let’s honor the contributions of Black and Latinx women who have been at the forefront of the birth justice movement. Their leadership is not only shaping a more just future but also paving the way for healthier, more equitable experiences for mothers and families. Through the efforts of programs like CoCo Doulas, we are witnessing the power of community and the profound impact of culturally relevant care on birth outcomes.
Join us in celebrating and supporting these incredible women, and let’s continue the work of ensuring that every mother—regardless of their background—receives the care and respect they deserve.
Let’s continue to uplift Black and Latinx women in the birth justice movement! Learn more about CoCo Doulas, support the fight for equitable maternal healthcare, and get involved in the movement today.
