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Pilot Program To Help Black Moms Defunded Over Internal Disputes
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Pilot Program To Help Black Moms Defunded Over Internal Disputes
Three doulas were fired and one resigned after complaints of racial insensitivity and mismanagement at the Association for Wholistic Maternal and Newborn Health.
Black women in Los Angeles County are three times more likely to die of complications during pregnancy than other women. Their babies also have higher health risks. Doulas are increasingly considered part of the solution toward healthier births -- but the contract for one promising program has been terminated.
The insurance provider Health Net contracted earlier this year with the Association for Wholistic Maternal and Newborn Health to pay for doula services for 150 black women who use Medi-Cal in L.A. County. But Health Net has now cut ties to the association amid allegation that it was plagued by infighting and other internal problems. Three doulas were fired and one resigned after some employees complained that the association's leadership was racially insensitive.
The association's director called the allegations "false or exaggerated."
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
