Know Your Rights!
How well do you know the law?
Did you know there are federal and state laws that protect against discrimination in healthcare?
Hospitals are legally required to provide every patient with a Patient Bill of Rights.
This document is usually included in your registration or admission packet.
Your rights may vary slightly by state and hospital, but they must be clearly given to you.
Hospitals must provide this document to maintain their license and meet legal & ethical standards. You can review a general Patient Bill of Rights here:
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/reference-materials/bill-of-rights/
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services points out key laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which stop discrimination by providers getting federal funds.
The Black Birthing Bill of Rights (BBBOR) was created by the National Association to Advance Black Birth (NAABB). Designed to protect Black birthing people during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
Serves as a guide for:
Hospitals
Government agencies
Maternity providers
Community birth workers
Helps ensure respectful, culturally aligned, and harm-aware care.
Learn more or download:
Know Your Rights!
Below you can find links to local and national advocacy organizations:
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance- https://blackmamasmatter.org/
- National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC)- https://www.health.ny.gov/community/adults/women/task_force_maternal_mortality/docs/meeting1/2018-06_crear-perry_nys_mm.pdf
- MomsRising- https://www.momsrising.org/
- Postpartum Support International- https://postpartum.net/
- Black Women’s Health Imperative- https://bwhi.org/
- Shades of Blue Project- https://www.shadesofblueproject.org/
- Black Women Birthing Justice- https://www.blackwomenbirthingjustice.com/
- Birthmark Doulas- https://www.birthmarkdoulas.com/
