Birthing Project USA, known as the Underground Railroad to New Life, is a volunteer initiative dedicated to improving birth outcomes by providing practical support to women during pregnancy and for one year postpartum. Founded in 1988 by Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, it stands as the sole African American maternal and child health program in the United States, often likened to the modern-day Underground Railroad.
Similar to how the Underground Railroad facilitated freedom from physical slavery, the Birthing Project empowers women who have achieved personal liberation to guide and support others towards healthier pregnancies and births. These women act as vital links between those in need of services and the resources available within their communities.
A significant barrier to healthier pregnancies is the lack of knowledge among mothers about preventive measures and factors leading to adverse birth outcomes. The Birthing Project addresses this challenge through its “Sister-Friend” approach, which aims to identify and overcome barriers to maternal health, one community at a time.
Since its inception, the Birthing Project model has been successfully replicated in over 107 communities across seven countries worldwide. This expansion has contributed to the healthy births of more than 13,000 babies, demonstrating the program’s profound impact on maternal and child health globally.