11 Mar A Milestone for Black Maternal and Reproductive Health Advocacy… 

Posted at 21:00h in Uncategorized by

We are proud to share an important milestone.

Ottawa City Council has officially proclaimed April as Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month, recognizing the importance of raising awareness about maternal health disparities and strengthening advocacy and leadership within Black communities.

The motion was brought forward by Councillor Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward and Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, and seconded by Councillor Ariel Troster, City Councillor for Somerset Ward and Council Liaison for Women, Gender Equity and 2SLGBTQ+ Affairs.

This proclamation represents an important step in recognizing the realities, leadership, and advocacy surrounding Black maternal health and reproductive justice in the city of Ottawa and beyond.

This proclamation also reflects the ongoing advocacy and leadership of community members and organizations, including the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN), who have worked to elevate conversations around Black maternal health and reproductive justice in Ottawa and across Canada.

 Watch the Proclamation Moment:

Please note that the video clip is available in English.

Veuillez noter que l’extrait vidéo est en anglais.

For many Black families and communities, maternal and reproductive health disparities are not abstract statistics — they are lived experiences that affect mothers, babies, individuals, families, and birth workers every day.

Community leaders,birth workers, healthcare professionals, and advocates across Ottawa and beyond have been working to elevate these conversations and strengthen collaboration around maternal and reproductive health equity.

We are grateful to the members of City Council who supported this motion and to the many community partners and advocates who continue to move this work forward.

While this proclamation marks an important milestone, the work does not stop here.

Our goal is to see Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month recognized across Canada, strengthening awareness, advocacy, and action in communities nationwide.

The work continues…