Massachusetts ACNM Affiliate Statement on Racial Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan

The Massachusetts Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (MA ACNM) stands in support of and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, the end of police brutality, and the continued fight to end institutional and systemic racism. We acknowledge the historical presence of indoctrinated racism within midwifery, obstetrics, and gynecology.

There is a need for all of us to take a deep introspective look to truly understand our privilege in order to become true advocates and allies for the members of the Black Indigenous People of Color community. Addressing this will lessen the gap of horrific racial disparities found in the maternal and infant health outcomes among Black Indigenous People of Color.

The MA ACNM Affiliate pledges to do the hard work of examining our own actions and those of our institutions to best support Black Indigenous People of Color in our communities and among our staff. We are eager to affect change and are committed to working toward implementing a vision that includes the following:

Sponsor and promote educational events focused on reducing racial disparities in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality for Black Indigenous People of Color through our Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Provide quarterly, educational opportunities for members to discuss racism, implicit bias and micro-aggressions within midwifery, obstetrics, and gynecology (reproductive health, abortion, trans-health, etc.)

Pledge an annual donation to the Melanated Midwives. This organization funds scholarships and supports mentorships for new graduates and midwives who are Black Indigenous People of Color

Foster ongoing mandatory training and education on anti-racism and unconscious bias for White members of the Affiliate executive committee

The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others before them have revolutionized and empowered a movement for true systemic change to which we must hold ourselves and others accountable in order to put forth REAL action. We see you, we hear you, we stand with you. #Blacklivesmatter #justiceforgeorgefloyd #blackmamasmatter #endracialhealthcaredisparities

The MA ACNM Executive Committee

Mary T. Paterno, PhD, CNM, FACNM – President

Ruth Peterle-Dzurec, CNM – Vice President

Vanessa Ross, MSN, CNM – Treasurer

Katie Temes, CNM – Secretary & PR Committee Chair

Estefany Flores-Godaire, CNM, MPH – Diversity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair

Melissa Nelson, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC – Diversity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair

Katherine Rushfirth, CNM – Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Susan J. Hernandez, CNM, MSN – Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Katharine (Kate) Green, PhD, CNM, FACNM – Affiliate Legislative Contact

Kelly Nease, RN, BSN, SNM – Student Nurse-Midwife representative