Black history of midwifery in Massachusetts

You may know the story of Elizabeth Freeman (1742-1829), who helped end slavery in Massachusetts when she sued for her freedom under the new state constitution. Did you know that Elizabeth "Mum Bett" Freeman was also a prominent and respected MIDWIFE in Berkshire County? And she was the great-grandmother of W.E.B.Dubois! Read more about Elizabeth Freeman.

The history of childbirth in the United States is the rich history of Black midwives. Learn more about the history of midwifery in the United States and it's impact on our maternal health crisis today.

Florida-licensed Certified Professional Midwife Jennie Joseph shares her reflections on this history:

"We must remember the African American grand midwives for their contribution. Their outcomes were phenomenal, their patients were hardy and their communities respected and honored them."

Read Jennie Joseph's full essay. 

“One of the darkest moments in US history was the systematic eradication of the African American midwife from her community, resulting in a legacy of birth injustices.”
- Shafia Monroe, Queen of the Midwifery Movement, a midwife who got her start in Boston in the 1970s

Dive deeper into the history and legacy of African American midwives in this presentation from Shafia Monroe.