Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week #BMHW25

Mom and three kids Greetings from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Things have been busy. I am still a working mom of three, working full time who is trying to make a difference. I do a lot of things and try to be present so that I can learn from them. I share them on this blog so that we can learn together. Below are some thoughts, hacks, and/or lessons that I have learned from navigating my world. Black Maternal Health Week April 11-17, 2025 I am a Black mom to three wonderful children. I was blessed to have three successful births. While I am an attorney, my third delivery highlighted the potential risks that occur when a physician fails to listen to the birthing person. Initially, I chalked it up to the physician involved and limited it to my personal birthing experience. Then, I learned that I was not special. Overwhelmingly, Black women experience higher rates of birth trauma, birthing complications and negative birth outcomes.  These statistics are what lead to the creation of ...

Upcoming Speaking Event: Issue Briefing Addressing Reproductive Health Care for Underserved Populations


The Women and Girls Foundation and FISA Foundation present

Issue Briefing Addressing Reproductive Health Care for Underserved Populations:
Innovative Programming for Incarcerated Women and Minors


Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 9 a.m.
Calvary Episcopal Church
315 Shady Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Please join us to hear presentations by a panel of experts that will address efforts to improve reproductive health care for incarcerated women and also the rights of minors to access confidential healthcare.

Several years ago the ACLU introduced a new program, “Do You Have to Tell My Mom?” to address the complicated legal issues that arise for adolescents who have been sexually assaulted and want to seek treatment, but are afraid or unwilling to involve their parents.  This work was incorporated into a broader initiative that clarified when minors were entitled to access confidential treatment.  It resulted in statewide trainings, new practice standards and user friendly reference materials.

Last year, the ACLU of Pennsylvania issued a ground-breaking report, “Reproductive Health Locked Up,” examining policies for women in county jails across the state.  The report forms the basis of ongoing work to improve conditions. Learn in particular of on-going and successful efforts in Allegheny County.

Come to hear about issues that are important to women and girls, ask questions and enjoy a lively discussion.  Refreshments will be provided.

There is no cost to attend but please register as space is limited.

Speakers:

Carol Petraitis, Director
Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Project, ACLU of Pennsylvania

Professor Alison Colbert, PhD, APRN, BC
Duquesne University School of Nursing

Chatón T. Turner, Esq. Associate Counsel
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
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