It is the year 2023 and we are still be ignored and left to either fend for ourselves are die during pregnancy and childbirth. Who is in charge of the pregnant body? Well, it should be a combination of the expectant mother and her medical provider(s). However, oftentimes, we are not, and this a normal attitude that needs to change since the mortality rate is alarming. An OB/GYN has a medical degree for that specific area, but does not have charge over the symptoms and ailments that come with pregnancy, so I have the final say on WHAT I want to happen during this amazing reproductive experience. Some attitudes regarding black maternal health are the same as the 17th centuries views. In the reading “African American Midwifery” talks about how the slave masters would ignore the pain and concerns of the black pregnant women because all that mattered was providing minimum care just enough so that slaves can keep reproducing MORE slaves! The mere fact that as the decades passed, more black women were entering the midwife field, was great. What better a way for a black expectant mother getting care from someone who looks like her? But, these midwives were not getting the respect or credit that they deserved, therefore; the white man was looked up as great for these medical developments. Fast forward to 2020, and the issue is still ongoing. For example, the film “Aftershock” is about the stories of families that were followed and interviewed regarding how the black woman was treated during pregnancy and childbirth, which ultimately ended in these women’s tragic death. Leaving their children with memories, have a newborn never know their mom, leaving the partner devastated and raising a child alone, and leaving families destroyed. Women are able to reproduce in order for ANYONE to be born. THE WOMB MATTERS! In the film, Sharmari is constantly telling the medical system that she is in pain and having issues, but she is ignored numerous of times, her test results are overlooked, and finally when the medical professionals realize something is in fact wrong, it is too late and another black woman has died during the childbirth experience. There has to be a change, but where does this change begin?