In a timely move that is expected to address the critical issue of maternal health care access in the United States, tennis legend Serena Williams and journalist Elaine Welteroth have teamed up to establish the birthFUND.
This groundbreaking endeavor seeks to provide financial support for families seeking midwifery care during childbirth, especially those facing economic barriers.
The birthFUND initiative comes in response to the alarming statistics surrounding maternal mortality rates in the U.S., particularly among Black women.
Both Williams and Welteroth have shared their own harrowing birth experiences in ways that reveal the systemic challenges and racial disparities prevalent in the country’s healthcare system.
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam-winning athlete, recounted her near-death experience during childbirth in 2018, shedding light on the pervasive risks faced by expectant mothers, regardless of their status or achievements.
Welteroth, a prominent journalist and TV host, shared her journey to motherhood and has trumpeted the urgent need for accessible and equitable birth care options.
“Between Serena’s first birth experience and mine, more than 3,400 mothers died during or after childbirth in the U.S. That’s 3,400 prayers never whispered into tiny ears—3,400 parents who won’t be able to watch their beautiful babies grow up. This should not be the norm in the country with the largest economy in the world,” the two women wrote in an op-ed for the Time Magazine.
The birthFUND initiative aims to address these issues by providing financial assistance to families seeking midwifery care, a model associated with better birth outcomes and holistic maternal health support.
Midwives, who are clinically trained professionals, offer safe and culturally conscious care during childbirth, contributing to reduced maternal mortality rates.
The birthFUND has garnered support from various high-profile individuals and corporate partners, including Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian, as well as celebrities like John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Kelly Rowland, Ashley Graham, and Karlie Kloss.
With their collective efforts, the birthFUND aims to expand access to midwifery care for families across the country, particularly those facing financial constraints.
The initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the maternal health crisis in the U.S. and advocating for safer and more inclusive birth care options.
By prioritizing access to midwifery care and removing financial barriers, Serena Williams and Elaine Welteroth are leading the charge to ensure that every family receives the support and dignity they deserve during childbirth.
