2025 Birth Justice Philly Summit

ABOUT BIRTH JUSTICE PHILLY

Pregnancy and childbirth should be a time of joy and celebration, but far too often Black and brown communities in Philadelphia, and across the nation, face systemic barriers to achieving equitable pregnancy outcomes. The OVA, a multidisciplinary coalition focused on achieving birth justice in Philadelphia, has been working deliberately across sectors to reduce systemic barriers through community investment, infrastructure building, innovation investment and sustainability, healthcare quality improvement, and community and provider education.

SUMMIT GOALS

• Advocating for policy changes that improve reproductive health outcomes;
• Supporting clinical practices that reduce maternal mortality and morbidity;
• Addressing social determinants of health that impact pregnancy outcomes;
• Elevating community-based storytelling to raise awareness and inspire change.

SUMMIT BREAKOUT SESSIONS & SPEAKERS

What if We Just Gave People Money and Resources?

Description: This session asks a radical question with practical roots: What if we just gave people what they need? We'll explore how financial assistance, access to concrete goods, and practical support to navigate and access care can transform maternal and reproductive health outcomes. Participants will hear from local organizations actively working to provide these essential supports in our community.

Speakers:

• Erin Blair Head - Director of Nurse Advocacy and Resources, Nurse Family Partnership
• Nia Coaxum, MPH - Philly Joy Bank Program Manager, Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health
• Marah Lange, MSW - Director of Client Services, Abortion Liberation Fund of PA
• Rachel Mark - Senior Attorney, HELP: MLP
• Elizabeth Pride MPH - Senior Project Manager, Office of Domestic Violence Strategies

Prioritizing Health Post-Pregnancy

Too often, care and attention drop off after birth, yet the postpartum period is critical for long-term health. This session focuses on practical tools and strategies to support people after pregnancy, including managing chronic conditions like hypertension, addressing perinatal mental health, and ensuring a smooth transition from prenatal to postpartum care. We'll explore how holistic, continuous support can improve outcomes for birthing people well beyond delivery.

Speakers:

• Saleemah McNeil - Executive Director, Oshun Family Center
• Melissa Patti, LCSW - Director of Maternal and Infant Health, March of Dimes
• Jennifer Lewey, MD, MPH - Director, Women's Cardiovascular Health Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
• Nicole Ellis Wilson - Project Manager, CRS, University of Pennsylvania & CHOP

Sexual and Reproductive Health Education & Policy Advocacy for Youth

This youth panel explores how comprehensive, empowering sexual and reproductive health education and advocacy can transform access to care for young people, especially those in marginalized communities. Panelists will speak to their experiences of real barriers youth face, from navigating healthy relationships to overcoming systemic challenges like period poverty and limited access to reproductive health and gender-affirming care. Attendees will hear directly from youth advocates pushing for equitable, inclusive, and youth-centered reproductive health solutions.

Moderator: James Andrews - Youth Care Team Program Manager, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Speakers: To Be Announced

Early Pregnancy Care

Timely care in early pregnancy is critical. Too often, systemic barriers delay or prevent access. This session will explore the challenges impacting access to early pregnancy care, including abortion access, early intervention, and support for informed options. Participants will hear from three of the City's targeted early pregnancy care programs about how their practices are improving outcomes and expanding access to care.

Speakers:

• Alice Abernathy - Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania
• Kara Pravdo, CRNP - Nurse Practitioner, 3rd Floor Paley OBGYN
• Kavita Vinekar, MD MPH - Obstetrician Gynecologist, Thomas Jefferson University

Immigrant and Refugee Populations’ Access to Reproductive Health

Immigrant and refugee populations face unique and often overlooked barriers to reproductive health care including lack of insurance, language access issues, and limited culturally competent services. This session will explore how these systemic challenges impact care, and how trust-building, inclusive education, and advocacy can advance reproductive justice in these communities.

Speakers:

• Affissath Anjorin, M.D. - Health Programs Manager, AFAHO
• Nicolas O’Rourke, Councilmember At-Large, Philadelphia City Council
• Faith Pullinger, MD – Clinical Director of Ob/Gyn at Esperanza Health Center, Esperanza Health Center
• Cira Toure - Health Navigator/ Case Manager, African Family Health Organization (AFAHO)
• Rebekah Weber – CNM, Esperanza Health Center

Addressing the Leading Causes of Maternal Mortality: What Are We Doing In Philadelphia?

This session will explore the city’s multi-faceted efforts to address the leading drivers of maternal deaths, including perinatal substance use disorder, intimate partner violence, mental health, and cardiovascular disease. Presenters will highlight current data, share innovative community- and system-level interventions, and discuss how health systems, public agencies, and community organizations are working together to prevent maternal mortality.

Speakers: To Be Announced

Host or Publisher Spring Point Partners, PDPH, and PHDC