African American women are three to four times more likely to die during or after delivery than are white women. – Harvard Public Health
In 2020, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.9 times the rate for non-Hispanic White women. Rates for non-Hispanic Black women were significantly higher than rates for non-Hispanic White and Hispanic women. The increases from 2019 to 2020 for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women were significant. The observed increase from 2019 to 2020 for non-Hispanic White women was not significant. – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One of the most effective ways to reduce these rates are by supporting midwives of color. The Afua Hassan Midwifery Scholarship supports future and current midwives of color in the Houston area.
Afua Hassan’s Legacy
Afua Hassan grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, and graduated from Brown University in 1981 before moving to Houston. In 1983, she completed her training at the Houston School of Midwifery and went on to practice midwifery for many years. In 2011, she fulfilled a longtime dream by opening The Birthing Place in Houston’s Third Ward. The Birthing Place was the first freestanding black-owned and operated birth center in Texas.
Afua found great joy in her calling. With passion, skill, and love, she assisted in 900 births, creating a strong community of mothers and families who trusted and cherished her care. Afua transitioned on April 4, 2021, leaving behind a powerful legacy of service, compassion, and advocacy.
One of Afua’s guiding visions was simple yet profound: “More Black Midwives.” To honor her memory and continue her work, we established the Afua Hassan Midwifery Scholarship. With your support, the Afua Hassan Midwifery Scholarship is building a future of empowered families, healthier births, and a stronger community of midwives — just as Afua envisioned.
All money raised will go towards the Afua Hassan Midwifery Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to BIPOC students pursuing midwifery education. In return, recipients commit to serving the Houston area as midwives for at least two years after completing their training. In 2024, we proudly awarded three recipients with the Afua Hassan Midwifery Scholarship.
