This Report from the Field chronicles the establishment of Georgetown University's Perinatal Legal Assistance and Wellbeing Project, a medical-legal partnership in Washington, D.C. It describes foundational steps, implementation strategies, and lessons learned, and reflects on impacts of addressing the unmet legal needs of birthing individuals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMatern Child Health J
January 2024
Purpose: This report describes a multifaceted, trauma-informed initiative developed to address racial/ethnic maternal and infant health inequities in Washington, D.C.
Description: Structural racism and systemic oppression of marginalized communities have played a critical role in maternal and infant health inequities in the United States.
Across the United States, historically imposed structural, social, and environmental variables are intimately connected to poor obstetric outcomes and high maternal and infant mortality rates among Black pregnancy-capable people. Efforts to diminish the effect of these variables include integrating screening for social determinants of health during the perinatal period and treating them with social services, mental health support, and other referrals, including connections to community-based resources. Although helpful, some of these social determinants cannot be overcome without legal advocacy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF