Advancing Birth Justice Through Research That Listens
Our policy work is grounded in research and partnerships that move beyond data to action. We collaborate with coalitions, policymakers, and community leaders to transform evidence into lasting change.
In San Francisco, we supported the creation of Expecting Justice, the home of the first pregnancy income supplement program in the U.S., and in Fresno, we have partnered with Fresno Grows and the Black Maternal Wellness Lab — each working to reduce birth inequities through research, advocacy, and systems change.
First 5 Center for Children’s Policy
In partnership with First 5, we’re identifying best practices and policy solutions to improve maternal and infant health outcomes for Black families across California. This collaboration focuses on reducing infant mortality and maternal morbidity by shaping strategies that drive change at both county and state levels.
Human Milk Feeding in San Francisco
We conducted a landscape analysis of breastfeeding and human milk feeding practices for the San Francisco Department of Public Health, guiding local stakeholders toward equitable policies and improved support for families.
Housing Insecurity and Obstetric Racism
In 2020, we identified housing insecurity and disrespectful care/obstetric racism as top policy priorities.
Two related projects were developed with the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy, where master’s students analyzed:
The implementation of SB-464 (California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act), assessing barriers and best practices for implicit bias training.
The impact of evictions on preterm births and family health outcomes, offering policy recommendations to address housing instability during pregnancy.
Community and Research
For over a decade, our team has connected researchers and community members to co-develop evidence-based solutions. Through advisory boards and long-term partnerships, we’ve shown how collaboration uncovers challenges and drives effective policy change.
Community Engagement in Research Toolkit
Developed with the Clinical & Translational Science Institute, this toolkit provides best practices for building and sustaining Community Advisory Boards and other engagement models that foster authentic, equitable partnerships.
Community Engagement Curriculum and Training
Funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, this curriculum helps researchers build local partnerships, align research with community priorities, and translate findings into policy impact. Community partners are trained to co-facilitate workshops and share lessons learned to strengthen future collaborations.