04 Apr City of Ottawa Proclaims April 2025 as Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month

We are proud to share that the City of Ottawa has once again officially proclaimed April 2025 as Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month.

This continued recognition marks a significant milestone for our movement and our communities. The proclamation reaffirms the urgent need to address the systemic barriers impacting Black birthing people and affirms that Black maternal health is a public health issue deserving of attention, investment, and justice.

The proclamation acknowledges the realities that many in our community already know too well: the impacts of anti-Black racism in healthcare, the lack of culturally safe reproductive care, and the need for stronger data and accountability. It also affirms the advocacy being led by organizations like CWCLN, whose leadership has helped bring visibility to these issues and pushed forward the call for meaningful systemic change that centres the health, dignity, and rights of Black women, non-binary individuals, and families.

We thank the City of Ottawa and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for once again recognizing the importance of this work. This is a meaningful step forward in building a future where all Black birthing people are safe, supported, and empowered throughout their reproductive journeys.

As we continue through Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month, under the theme Advancing Black Maternal Health Through Equity and Justice, we invite our community to join us in celebrating this moment, reflecting on how far we’ve come, and recommitting to the work ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has stood with us, spoken up, and helped make this moment possible.