To listen to the accompanying audio story, click here. To view the accompanying photo essay, click here.
Through powerful conversations with healthcare professionals, doulas, mothers, and advocates, this documentary sheds light on the systemic failures that fuel maternal mortality in the United States. We hear firsthand how women like Brooke Mansa faced dismissiveness, fear, and lack of consent during critical moments of labor. We also hear from Jessica Smith, who described her hospital staff as kind and competent, but still relied on her doula, Kamilah Harris, to advocate for her right to wait and let her body lead, revealing how even well-meaning systems can overlook patient autonomy.
Intertwining personal stories with expert analysis, the film highlights childbirth’s emotional and physical toll when patients aren’t fully heard. From Kamilah’s active role in empowering mothers during delivery to Jamarah Amani’s efforts to revive and diversify midwifery, we expose how medical bias, outdated policies, and the erasure of traditional practices contribute to the maternal health crisis. We also explore the overlooked reality of postpartum struggles, where 65% of pregnancy-related deaths occur, and many mothers suffer in silence.
Covering topics such as birth autonomy, informed consent, and the sacredness of postpartum care, the documentary calls for urgent change. It seeks to empower mothers with knowledge, amplify the voices of doulas and midwives, and demand accountability from the medical system. By centering human dignity and community-driven care, we aim to inspire a movement for birth justice, where every person has the right to be safe, heard, and respected.
