Deep Dive with MHP and Dorian Warren: Childbirth

The Takeaway host Melissa Harris-Perry and Dorian Warren are tackling the important topic of childbirth.

The U.S. Supreme court is considering a second case on abortion this session as the White House host its first Maternal Health Day of Action Summit on Dec 7, 2021. We took a deep dive into the subject of childbirth and the politics around it. Topics that were introduced: the medical professionalization of childbirth, maternal and infant mortality, the work of doulas and midwifery, and the importance of paid family and medical leave. 

They speak with Monica McLemore, associate professor of family health care nursing at University of California, San Francisco; Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative; Tracie Collins, CEO & Founder of the National Black Doulas Association; Lynn Paltrow, Executive Director and Founder of National Advocates for Pregnant Women. Josie Kalipeni, Executive Director of Family Values at Work joins us to discuss how paid family and medical leave offers families the time and resources to bond with their newborn children.

Finally, Melissa shares a personal story as she speaks with her youngest daughter's gestational carrier. 

A pregnant woman looking at newborn.
(Canva Stock Images/ WNYC Studios The Takeaway)