Birthing Justice Session 1: The Crisis We Cannot Ignore

Join Us for a Four-Part Learning Series

Co-hosted by the Black Maternal Health Initiative of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and the CT Collective for Women & Girls

Sponsored by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and The American Association of University Women of Connecticut (AAUW-CT)

Black mothers and birthing people continue to experience profound disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes across Connecticut. Birthing Justice is a four-part Fairfield County-based learning and advocacy series designed to bring community members, advocates, doulas, community health workers, parents, and partners together to better understand the crisis, explore community-centered solutions, and build the skills and collective voice needed to advance change.

Across three virtual conversations, participants will explore the data, lived experiences, workforce solutions, and policy landscape shaping Black maternal health in Fairfield County and across Connecticut. The series will culminate in an in-person gathering in Hartford, bringing Fairfield County voices and priorities into the statewide conversation as we prepare for Connecticut’s 2027 legislative session.

Together, we’ll move from awareness to advocacy and from advocacy to action.

Session Schedule

Session 1: The Crisis We Cannot Ignore

Understanding Black Maternal Health in Connecticut
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 PM | Virtual

Understand the data, hear directly from those closest to the issue, and explore the systems and policies shaping Black maternal health in Fairfield County and across Connecticut.

Session 2: From Blueprint to Practice

Workforce Needs and Solutions
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 PM | Virtual

Explore community-centered solutions, including the critical roles of doulas and community health workers, and examine the policy and implementation barriers that can prevent culturally responsive care from reaching more families.

Session 3: Your Voice Is the Policy

Advocacy Skills for the 2027 Legislative Session
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM | Virtual

Learn how Connecticut’s legislative process works, explore emerging maternal health policy priorities, and practice turning lived experience and community knowledge into meaningful advocacy.

Session 4: Birthing Justice Action Summit
Fairfield County Goes to Hartford
Winter 2027 | In Person in Hartford, CT

Bring the learning, relationships, and advocacy skills developed throughout the series to the state level. Participants will come together in Hartford to elevate Fairfield County voices and prepare to engage policymakers during Connecticut’s 2027 legislative session. Date and details to come!

Who Should Attend?

Community members, parents, doulas, community health workers, nonprofit and faith leaders, advocates, health professionals, and anyone interested in advancing Black maternal health and birth equity in Connecticut.

No prior policy or advocacy experience is required. All sessions are free to attend.

Attend one session or join us throughout the series as we learn, connect, build our collective voice, and work toward a Connecticut where Black mothers and birthing people have access to safe, respectful, and culturally responsive care.

Register Now