Several of our first-year MCH students attended the 2022 American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting in Boston, MA from November 6-9. APHA was celebrating its 150 Years of Creating the Healthiest Nation: Leading the Path Toward Equity. What follows is a post from one of the attendees.
By Jazlynn Taylor, BS
Attending my first APHA conference was an eye-opening experience to say the least. To see the excitement and energy of individuals from all over the country coming together to share the latest research, technology, and policies to enhance the lives of the people we serve as public health leaders
From the many topics and discussions that were held, Black maternal health and reproductive rights were two topics that I gravitated towards. A primary goal I had for myself when attending the conference was to see the current data on Black maternal health. In various sessions, the main factors that contributed to high black maternal mortality rates were communication and lack of autonomy with providers, racism and discrimination, lack of maternity leave and the struggles of mental health. “I just want to be heard,” and “ I was not aware of the other services offered,” were just two of the testimonials that were presented during the scientific session on Improving Pregnancy Outcomes: Perspectives of Pregnant Women: Qualitative Research for Improving Pregnancy Outcomes. However, there are centers tailored to address these findings. The M.O.T.H.E.R. Lab was founded by Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha to address through research, advocacy, and mentorship the inequities that Black birthing parents face. Birthing Beautiful Communities is a community of dedicated birth workers that recognizes systemic racism is a root cause of Black maternal health and outcomes and focuses on reducing the social detriments for Black birthing parents.
On the first day of the conference a reproductive rally was held to protest the Dobbs decision and to empower young people to take a stand, and let their voices be heard, especially with the Nov 8th elections drawing near. I had the opportunity to hear people’s testimony regarding how the Dobbs Decision has affected them. Hearing their testimony and seeing the cries of frustration was hard for me to watch and listen to, but so necessary. Also, during this time, we got the chance to hear Congresswomen Ayanna Presley speak about the importance of Reproductive Justice now more than ever, and to top it all off we got a picture taken with her! Attending the rally was the perfect way to start my conference.
One of the keynote events was a forum discussion titled Reproductive Health, Rights, & Justice: Before, During, and Beyond. One of the speakers Dr. Jamila Perritt spoke about her journey as a physician, what being an advocate for reproductive justice looks like for her, and the many challenges she has faced due to her stance. During the panel Dr. Perritt asked “How far are you willing to go in this fight?” She, as well as other members of the panel, emphasized the importance of knowing and understanding yourself and where you can do your best and most work in Reproductive Justice.
Jazlynn Taylor BS, is a first-year MPH student, concentrating in Maternal and Child Health. She plans to graduate in May 2024. Her interests include African American maternal and infant health and outcomes, reproductive health, and sexual health and education. She also loves reading, cooking, and exercising.
