The term “reproductive justice” means that somehow, somebody has to confront the glaring gaps in maternal health outcomes for rich women and poor women, for white women and women of color, for women in communities with resources and women in remote rural areas or struggling urban neighborhoods. That’s why it was such an incredible privilege to meet the women of Mamatoto Village , women like attorney Briana Green, whose own negative experience during a C-section with her first daughter inspired her to support voiceless mothers. Or like Brittany "Tru" Kellman whose first pregnancy at 13, and struggles with domestic violence and depression, led her on a spiritual path toward becoming one of the first fully licensed African American midwives in Missouri. The video accompanying my National Geographic story perfectly captures the commitment, grit and determination of the reproductive justice warriors who say they can’t wait for a higher power to save mothers and babies. They’ll tackle #maternalmortality by any means necessary. #BlackMamasMatter ANCIENT SONG DOULA SERVICES #JamaaBirthVillage #maternalhealth #reproductivehealth #birthequity #midwives #midwivesofcolor #midwivesmatter #doulas video.nationalgeographic.com/video/magazine/00000167-9a2c-deca-ab7f-feac56c10000 …see more