A Racial Equity Toolkit for Midwifery Organizations

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Midwifery Practice

Background:

• Midwifery associations are increasingly committed to advancing racial equity.
• Translating these commitments into tangible actions requires structured guidance.
• Existing racial equity impact analyses show positive results in governmental and nonprofit sectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework for midwifery organizations to implement a racial equity toolkit.
• To guide the integration of a racial equity lens into organizational policies and initiatives.
• To support the advancement of racial equity within the midwifery profession and its served communities.

Main Methods:

• Developing a framework for incorporating a racial equity toolkit.
• Defining organizational intentions and indicators of success for racial equity.
• Utilizing a racial equity impact analysis worksheet for policy and initiative review.
• Establishing organizational change teams and equity advisory groups.

Main Results:

• A proposed framework for midwifery organizations to adopt a racial equity toolkit.
• Identification of key components for a midwifery-specific racial equity toolkit.
• Emphasis on using racial equity impact analyses to scrutinize actions.
• Highlighting the role of dedicated teams in assessing potential impacts.

Conclusions:

• A racial equity toolkit can facilitate the practical application of equity commitments in midwifery.
• Racial equity impact analyses are a valuable tool for ensuring equitable policies and initiatives.
• Organizational structures like change teams and advisory groups are crucial for successful implementation.