Why people are posting selfies with one hand up to support pregnant black women
You might not be aware that black women are five times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than white women.
That’s according to a 2018 report by MBRRACE UK– an organisation looking into maternal deaths.
In the last two years, the situation for black women hasn’t become much better. We recently reported that black mums are still falling through the net when it comes to postnatal depression and other mental health problems.
To make sure these important stats aren’t forgotten, a campaign group is asking people to do something simple to raise awareness and keep the conversation going.
FiveXmore has been asking people to pose with five fingers up to show that black women have a tougher fate than most when it comes to maternity.
You can get involved: Just take a selfie with five fingers up and tag the group, who have further information on the rights of black women needing healthcare on their website.
We spoke to co-founder Atinuke, who tells us why this movement is needed.
She says: ‘We started this campaign in order to raise awareness that black women in the UK are currently five times more likely to die during pregnancy and after childbirth in comparison to white women.
‘We are currently raising awareness through the five times selfie and plan to start a petition to keep the word out there.
‘We understand that while the UK has one of one of the lowest mortality rates in the world, there is still a disparity in who is dying during childbirth and we want to raise awareness to fellow black mothers and women out there to know they also have a voice and give them practical things to do to help eradicate these awful statistics.’
To take the #fiveXmore selfie, simply hold up your hand in front of you like a stop sign.
The group explains that there are two purposes to this pose: ‘Not only do we want to put a stop to the disparity that black women in the U.K. who are five times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth, we also want you to be aware of five steps that you can take today that will help put an end to these shocking statistics’.
Mums are encouraged to speak up about their concerns, find an advocate to support their claims, get a second opinion on a health diagnosis, trust their gut feeling, and do their research.
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