Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Between 1996 - 2016, the Black population in Canada doubled. Despite this, and an increasing recognition of anti-Black racism in the nation, there remains no national health data disaggregated by race/ethnicity. Further, Black birthing experiences and outcomes remain relatively absent from the current Canadian landscape of maternal and reproductive health research. Nonetheless, in North America, Black women, and their babies, are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy and childbirth outcomes, and experiences of discrimination. Given that those who identify as Black are, on average, younger than the total population of Canada, it is reasonable to assume that the Black population will only continue to grow and require access to maternity programs and services. Further, given the increased recognition of anti-Black racism within Canada, following the murder of George Floyd, it is pertinent that we explore the pregnancy and birth experiences of Black people in Canada and identify any inequities. This study takes a mixed-methods, and intersectional approach to explore experiences of Black people throughout Canada who have accessed a range of perinatal services and resources. Findings from this study will be used to inform policy and health service interventions to better serve Black community members and address healthcare inequities.