Dr Makeda Moore advocates for accessible home births in Georgia

At a recent government meeting in Georgia, Dr. Makeda Moore passionately advocated for the increased accessibility and standardization of home births, particularly for African American women facing higher maternal mortality rates. Speaking from her experience as both a mother and a mental health professional, Dr. Moore highlighted the psychological benefits of home births, emphasizing that a supportive environment can significantly reduce stress and improve postpartum wellness.

Dr. Moore shared her personal journey, noting that her home birth experience, facilitated by a consistent midwife, fostered a sense of trust and care that she felt was lacking in traditional hospital settings. She argued that the continuity of care provided by midwives is crucial for healthy pregnancies and deliveries, especially for marginalized communities.

Her testimony underscored the urgent need for policy changes to make midwifery services more accessible and affordable, as many families currently face financial barriers due to lack of insurance coverage for home births in Georgia. Dr. Moore concluded by stressing the importance of addressing preventable maternal mortality rates, calling for greater support for midwifery as a vital component of maternal health care.

The meeting also featured other speakers, including Representative Park Cannon, who expressed interest in discussing amendments related to this topic. However, the time constraints of the meeting limited the opportunity for all voices to be heard. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for diverse birthing options and the importance of addressing health disparities in maternal care.