Advancing Birth Justice Through Research That Listens
The Center for Birth Justice conducts and supports research that redefines how science serves communities. Each project begins with partnership: Connecting researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience to co-create studies that reflect real-world priorities.
Uncovering what drives adverse birth outcomes
Our discovery research explores the biological, clinical, and social factors that shape birth outcomes — ranging from inflammation and genetics to housing, stress, and structural racism. By studying how these forces intersect, we aim to reveal the root causes of preterm birth, particularly among Black and Latina women who face the highest risks and burdens.
Engaging Mothers and Babies—Reimagining Antenatal Care for Everyone (EMBRACE) Study
The EMBRACE Study compares two enhanced prenatal care programs in Fresno (Glow: Group Prenatal Care and Support and the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program) to learn which most effectively reduces preterm birth, improves mental health, and increases satisfaction with care. Led by UCSF and the Central Valley Health Policy Institute, this PCORI-funded study engages over 2,600 participants and local partners to identify what truly supports healthy pregnancies in communities with some of California’s highest preterm birth rates.
Centering the voices of Black preterm infant caregivers
The Center and Care Study connects with Black families in the Bay Area to understand their experiences raising preterm infants after hospital discharge. Through in-depth interviews, caregivers identified barriers, supports, and recommendations for how the medical system can better promote child health and address social needs.
Findings from this study guide new interventions in neonatal and primary care settings to improve long-term outcomes for Black preterm infants.
Research Priority Setting By Affected Communities (RPAC) Resources
Turning questions into action.
Led by Linda Franck and Monica McLemore, We created the Research Prioritization by Affected Communities (RPAC) protocol to ensure that people most impacted by preterm birth lead the research agenda. Through facilitated community sessions, participants identify and rank the questions that matter most to them — shaping the studies we fund and the future of birth justice research.