ProPublica, NPR & BPL Presents: Lost Mothers: Key Ways to Improve Maternal Health

Tue, Oct 24 2017
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Central Library, Dweck Center

BPL Presents ProPublica, NPR & BPL Presents: Lost Mothers: Key Ways to Improve Maternal Health ProPublica, NPR & BPL Presents: Lost Mothers: Key Ways to Improve Maternal Health ProPublica, NPR & BPL Presents: Lost Mothers: Key Ways to Improve Maternal Health ProPublica, NPR & BPL Presents: Lost Mothers: Key Ways to Improve Maternal Health


Join ProPublica, NPR and BPL Presents for a community forum on what the health care system and expectant families can do to prevent more women from dying, and nearly dying, in pregnancy and childbirth.

The event will bring together doctors, doulas, survivors and impacted families to share insights on:

  • finding the best possible provider
  • strategies for self-advocacy and conveying levels of pain
  • changing the culture of the “perfect birth story”
  • preparing for an emergency
  • paying attention to symptoms even after the delivery


Panelists will also take questions from audience members seeking answers and support, and refreshments will be provided.

ProPublica and NPR have shined a light on the U.S. maternal mortality crisis through the joint investigative series Lost Mothers, shifting the national conversation from one of private tragedy to public health crisis. This one-of-a-kind event encourages women and families to share their stories, connect with one another, and elevate a much-needed national dialogue. Speakers include:

  • Mary D’Alton, chair of Columbia University Medical Center’s dept. of obstetrics & gynecology
  • Chanel Porchia-Albert, founder and executive director of Ancient Song Doula Services
  • Deborah Kaplan, assistant commissioner at the NYC Department of Health
  • Larry Bloomstein, physician and widower of Lauren Bloomstein
  • Nina Martin, reporter for ProPublica (Moderator)
  • Renee Montagne, NPR special correspondent (Intro)


This event will be livestreamed on both the ProPublica and BPL Presents Facebook pages at 7:30 p.m. EST. For more information, contact Cynthia Gordy at [email protected].

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