On June 27, engaged couple Kayla Love and Khari Jones prepared to deliver their first child at home. But when Love had birth complications, they went to the hospital to make sure the baby was healthy. They decided to complete other services with a Black private physician – which is their right!
Unfortunately, that right was NOT respected.
That night, Los Angeles police officers showed up to their door. "Between 10-15 officers came up in our home, pointing guns at me while I’m holding the baby!” exclaimed Jones.
But why?
Apparently it was a “health and wellness check,” to “investigate the safety of the home environment.” But what’s safer: a physician allowing a new mother to go home, or police drawing guns on an infant?
Also, Love and Jones’ choice wasn’t “unsafe” at all.
In the U.S., Black moms are four times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than white ones. And it’s not because of genetics – it’s dangerous healthcare disparities that affect even the wealthiest of us, like Serena Williams.
That’s why more Black women are choosing home births, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The criminal legal and healthcare systems don't care about, and in fact are detrimental to, our health and well-being. Like Love and Jones, we have the right to exercise our autonomy against systemic injustices of any kind.