AUSTIN, Texas - Access to resources and knowledge of warning signs are key to a healthy pregnancy. Austin Public Health (APH) invites you to participate in It’s a Birthing Thang on Saturday, April 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ACC Eastview Campus, African American Cultural Center (3401 Webberville Road, Austin, Texas 78702).

The event is held during Black Maternal Health Week (April 11 – 17), which highlights efforts and collective work to advance better maternal, reproductive and birth outcomes for those who are pregnant, specifically black moms.

“Childbirth should be a celebration for all, but we’ve seen time and time again that it can be a life-threatening experience for black mothers,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “A majority of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. It’s crucial that we take opportunities like this to provide education on warning signs and resources to prevent this tragedy.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year hundreds of people die during pregnancy or in the year after, and thousands more experience health consequences from unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women.

“At Austin Public Health, we’re committed to addressing this health crisis by elevating Black voices and building allyship,” said APH Director Adrienne Sturrup. “This work goes towards reducing disparities Black women face, including lower quality of care, implicit bias from providers and chronic health conditions.”

Whether you or a loved one is a parent-to-be, birth professional, or ally, this event is for you.

Additional information and resources on Black Maternal Health can be found on APH's Maternal Infant Outreach Program page.