By Natalie Williams
The Wynn Hospital showed the film “AfterShock” in its Auditorium on Friday February 16, 2024. The documentary is about the ‘epidemic’ of Maternal Mortality and Morbidity among Black Women in America.
“The state of being subject to death” is mortality and “the condition of suffering from a disease or medical condition” morbidity. These are four times higher among American black women as compared to others regarding giving birth.
To educate and address this issue, the Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Award ( Impact For Change ) film was shown.
The Aftershock documentary described the heartache of the loss of these young mothers, and community efforts to educate on and reverse this trend.
The history of the ways in which black women have been abused by ‘the system’ from slavery to current day were outlined.
The current ‘medical model’ tendency in hospitals to perform C-Sections – as these take less time ( only 40 minutes ) as compared to a natural vaginal birth ( which can take 9 -12 hours of labor), and are 50% more profitable, has largely driven these outcomes.
A black woman Obstetrician / Gynecologist; Dr. Rose Antilus spoke afterward; expressing the importance of clinicians really listening to the patient. She said that the MVHS Hospital is making efforts to reduce the number of Caesarian sections performed for first time births. She stated that the hospital welcomes Doulas; as they help reduce the risk to patients. She noted that the Governor signed a bill to encourage health insurers to pay for Doulas.
Jackie Nelson; President of the Rome, NY Branch of the NAACP organized the event.
The viewing of the Award winning documentary ‘AfterShock’ will be offered again at the ‘Rome Health’ Hospital; in the Classroom on March 6 th at 5 pm.
If you cannot physically attend. It can be seen through the internet. The movie ‘AfterShock’ is currently available through Hulu streaming service subscription.
Ashley Engram, a mother of six; and a Doula, also spoke briefly; and announced that she will be giving a presentation on ‘The History of Black Reproduction in America’ from 4:30 pm to 8 pm on February 29, 2024 at the Patrick L. Johnson Center at 410 James street in Cornhill, Utica NY. She will be describing an initiative supported by a grant; to train 10 doulas from the community, to assist birthing black mothers. A Doula is a non-medically trained person who is there for the mother to be, primarily for emotional and physical support.
Dr. Rose Antilus answers questions
Ashley Engram (center) speaks, Jackie Nelson (right);
