Special Session is a session for which the presenter/s were invited who are all well-accomplished in their disciplines. 

Author: Rachel R. Hardeman, Ph.D., M.P.H., University of Minnesota's School of Public Health

Moderator: Shardé McNeil Smith, Ph.D., University of Illinois
Chair: Megan Haselschwerdt, Ph.D., University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Summary
Structural racism disadvantages parents of color before, during, and after pregnancy, leading to heartbreaking perinatal health inequities for both birthgivers and their babies. Relationship-centered and culturally-centered care models provide needed support to parents of color, making strides on the path towards racial birth equity. In this special session, Dr. Hardeman will discuss how building anti-racism into medical, educational, and policy systems beyond perinatal care is necessary for sustainable racial health
equity throughout the lives of people of color.

Objectives:

• Identify and describe how structural racism affects reproductive health outcomes.
• Apply antiracist professional practices to the fields of health, advocacy/praxis, and policy.
• Evaluate and incorporate values of equity and inclusion in patient/client interactions.

This session is Organized by and Made Possible by the Feminism and Family Studies Section With Additional Support From the Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Families; Families and Health; Family Policy; and Education and Enrichment Sections.