Our Mission.
To uplift and empower marginalized youth ages 13-25 and their families centering those who identify as BIPOC and queer by providing holistic support, education, and resources that address the social determinants of health and promote equity in maternal and reproductive care.
Our Vision.
Our vision for Yemaya’s Village Inc is to make a positive impact with the birthing justice revolution here in Louisiana; hopefully ending the racial and homophobic biases within the maternal and fetal healthcare system.A future where systemic inequities no longer define birth outcomes, and all families, regardless of race, identity, or socioeconomic status, have access to the care and knowledge they need to flourish. Black birthing individuals are 4x more likely to succumb to birth related death or injury than that of their white counterparts. Black babies are 2-3x more likely to succumb to fetal demise or injury than that of white babies. In same sex relationship studies have found higher risks of gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes, as well as these individuals were less like to have spontaneous labor. With our physical birth/lactation support, advocacy and education we can eradicate the racial and queer bias in maternal and fetal healthcare. We will hold a safe space for these individuals who have endured this trauma and hold a space of accountability for the healthcare systems, political systems and the community. Because as a village we have to lean on each other, we can’t do it alone.
Yemaya’s Village Inc’s Bill of Rights
Preamble:
Yemaya’s Village Inc. is committed to fostering a safe, affirming, and equitable birthing experience for BIPOC and queer birthing youth. We recognize birth as a sacred right and strive to dismantle systemic barriers through holistic community care, advocacy, and education. This Bill of Rights outlines the fundamental principles that guide our mission, ensuring dignity, respect, and justice for all members of our community.
1. The Right to Equitable and Culturally Responsive Care
Every birthing person has the right to respectful, compassionate, and culturally responsive support that honors their identity, traditions, and lived experiences.
2. The Right to Informed Decision-Making
All youth have the right to comprehensive, unbiased information about their reproductive health, birth choices, and postpartum care, empowering them to make informed decisions without coercion or discrimination.
3. The Right to Bodily Autonomy and Consent
No birthing person should experience forced medical interventions or procedures. Every individual has the right to full bodily autonomy and the ability to consent or refuse care without pressure.
4. The Right to Holistic and Community-Centered Support
Birthing youth have the right to access holistic care that integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, including traditional practices, community doulas, and culturally competent providers.
5. The Right to Perinatal Safety and Advocacy
BIPOC and queer birthing youth deserve birth environments free from racism, discrimination, and bias. They have the right to advocacy and protection against medical neglect, obstetric violence, and systemic harm.
6. The Right to Postpartum and Infant Care Support
Every family has the right to postpartum resources, including emotional support, infant care guidance, and access to essential supplies through community programs like The Village Closet and The Contingency Fund.
7. The Right to Lactation Support
All lactating youth have the right to informed, judgment-free lactation support, including assistance with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and alternative infant feeding methods.
8. The Right to Financial and Housing Security
No birthing person should experience homelessness or financial instability due to pregnancy, birth, or postpartum recovery. Yemaya’s Village Inc. is committed to offering emergency funds and resource connections for housing, utilities, and basic needs.
9. The Right to Birth Worker Respect and Fair Compensation
Doulas and birth workers within our community have the right to fair compensation, professional development, and protection from exploitation as they provide critical services to birthing youth.
10. The Right to Collective Empowerment and Advocacy
Our community has the right to organize, educate, and advocate for policies that improve maternal health outcomes, dismantle oppressive systems, and uplift the voices of those most impacted by birth injustice.