Advocacy
Addressing Inequities Through Advocacy, Education, and Action
Ancient Song seeks to address systemic inequities by advocating for equitable reproductive healthcare at the local, state, and federal levels.
Since our founding, we have led birth justice initiatives that bring together stakeholders and community members to address and build collective understanding and action. The birth justice political framework is integral to our efforts to center those clients who are most likely to face discrimination, medical neglect, and have their voices silenced or ignored when seeking care.
Since 2018, we have focused on creating accountability through direct action, policy, and collaboration with groups like Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA). We encourage policy makers to act on training and cultural shifts necessary to address maternal mortality and morbidity and realize reproductive freedom.
At Ancient Song, we understand that respectful care and advocacy toolkits are not effective for individuals if they are seeing providers who have not been trained to address racism, poverty, and disenfranchisement in healthcare. True change requires institutional reform, provider accountability measures, and medical provider education that encompasses a cultural humility framework. Given this, we work to amplify the voices of those who are in most need of quality reproductive healthcare to policy- and decision-makers who are in positions to institutionalize change.
Birth Justice Institute Pathways
Transforming Maternal Health Through Education and Advocacy
The Birth Justice Institute offers three pathways to empower fellows at every stage of their advocacy journey:
Pathway 1: Fundamental Concepts and Policy 101
Designed for new fellows, this pathway covers the basics of birth justice, human rights, and policy advocacy through seminars, guest speakers, and panel discussions.Pathway 2: Community Engagement and Grassroots Organizing
For second-year fellows, this pathway focuses on deepening engagement with communities through grassroots organizing and participatory action.Pathway 3: Policy Leadership and Campaign Development
Third-year fellows lead initiatives to set policy agendas, develop campaigns, and engage with legislative bodies to create systemic change.
Learn more about each pathway and how to apply below.
Initiatives
Medicaid Doula Hubs
Supporting Families and Doulas Through Accessible Care
Our Medicaid Doula Hubs are designed to make doula care accessible and equitable for all families. Located throughout New York City, these hubs provide support for Medicaid-enrolled individuals seeking doula services and offer technical assistance to community-based organizations and doulas navigating Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement processes. Each hub serves as a resource center, offering guidance, education, and connections to ensure families receive compassionate, culturally competent care.
Brooklyn Birthing Center
Parternship to build a New Standard of Care in Brooklyn
With capital funding from Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman, Ancient Song Doula Services is proud to announce plans for a state-of-the-art birthing center in Brooklyn. In partnership with KAVI and the Brooklyn Volunteer Ambulance Corp, the center will offer trauma-informed, community-centered care for pregnant and birthing individuals. This safe, supportive space will provide comprehensive services from prenatal to postpartum, led by a team of experienced birth workers. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this transformative vision to life.
Doulas for Democracy
Empowering Communities Through Advocacy and Action
Doulas for Democracy is a national coalition committed to voter education, civic engagement, and advancing policies that put individuals, families, and communities first. Through collaboration with city, state, and federal leaders, we work to drive meaningful change in maternal health policy. Our past efforts include participation in the Congressional Black Caucus and local town halls to uplift community voices. Join us in building an informed, empowered electorate and advocating for equitable policies — connect with us to get involved.
Beyond Birth Work
Community-based doulas go #BeyondBirthWork to provide holistic, culturally-relevant care to women of color and low-income women who would not otherwise be able to afford care. The community-based doula care model helps women navigate systems to connect to the services and supports they need to be healthy. This model also addresses racial discrimination affecting communities of color and helps reduce racial disparities in maternal health and birth outcomes.
Now, Black women-led community-based organizations like Ancient Song Doula Services need your support for full recognition as important maternal health stakeholders and to get the fair pay they deserve!
We ask you to join us in demanding that:
Community-based doulas be fairly compensated for the important services they provide to expecting and new parents who need it most.
Government agencies acknowledge the role of community-based doula organizations that offer training as legitimate certifying entities.
The New York State doula pilot program for Medicaid reimbursement (proposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo) work with community-based doula organizations to pilot the program in communities where racial disparities in maternal health and birth outcomes are greatest.
Black women-led organizations and community representatives be included in the New York State doula pilot program planning and implementation.
Policy Advocacy Initiatives
Black Mamas Matter Alliance
A national network of Black women-led and Black-led, birth and reproductive justice organizations and multi-disciplinary professionals.
Black Maternal Health Caucus Advisory Council
Organized around the goals of elevating the Black maternal health crisis within Congress and advancing policy solutions.
Systemic Racism and Reproductive Injustice
A Report for the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in the U.S.
Education
Providing education on the impact of certain legislative proposals, e.g. doula licensing and Medicaid reimbursement
Help us achieve birth justice.
We’re fighting for Black and Latinx birthing parents to have the high-quality, affordable care they need. Help us continue our advocacy to achieve reproductive and birth justice for our community through a financial contribution.