As a doula and advocate for evidence-based maternity care for over 25 years, I was shocked to learn that out-of-state corporate executives have decided to eliminate the most evidence-based, low-cost, and accessible maternity care option for birthing families in metro Detroit.

As of 2/28/23, midwives are being eliminated and will no longer be allowed to practice at Ascension Providence in Southfield, Michigan. 
 
For over 40 years, the Certified Nurse-Midwives at Ascension Providence have been a mainstay of the community, providing exceptional care to growing families in Southfield, Detroit, and surrounding communities, as well as attending 75% of the births that take place at the Alternative Birth Center (Michigan's longest-standing birth center). 
 
The midwifery model of care has a proven track record of improving outcomes. Just a few of the benefits include a decrease in preterm births, a decreased risk of needing a cesarean, and decreased infant mortality rates--all at a lower cost to families and insurance companies.
 
In a state where the preterm birth rate among Black women is 55% higher than the overall population, and in a country with a dismal maternal mortality rate that is four times higher for Black women than white, it's unconscionable that out-of-state number crunchers would fire the very care providers who are best positioned--by training, by location, and by a proven track record--to positively impact these numbers.
 
I hope you feel just as outraged as my clients and I do and will help us fight for a reversal of this egregious and unwise decision by Ascension.
 
Please join us in signing and sharing this petition to make our voices heard!
 
Warmly,

Celeste Kraft, CED, CCE

Doula Trainer
Owner, Certified Doula
Gentle Spirit Doulas