---
title: "Lighting the Lanterns: Birth as a Portal to Liberation"
date: 2025-07-17T11:01:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/lighting-the-lanterns-birth-as-a-portal-to-liberation"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Lighting the Lanterns: Birth as a Portal to Liberation

In a nation with growing maternal mortality and poor maternal health outcomes, a community-based midwifery model of care can save lives. In this TEDx Talk, Nashira Baril, the founder of Neighborhood Birth Center, discusses how midwives shaped her personal birth experience and the benefits of birth centers.

Nashira Basil was able to give birth to both of her children at home with the support of midwives. However, she recognizes that not many birthing people have that choice. After speaking with an elder midwife, Dr. Jo-Anna Rorie, she was inspired to learn more about birthing centers and to join Dr. Rorie in creating a birth center in Roxbury.

In her research on birth centers, Nashira found that the presence of birthing centers in the United States is still far and between. And yet, birthing centers are cost effective, provide better care experiences, and have better health outcomes. Birthing centers provide care that can liberate us from systems of racism and capitalism, furthering the cause of reproductive justice. We are in a maternal health crisis, and argues Nashira, birthing centers are a tool to address it.

> I wish it were commonplace for people to feel enveloped in a physical and emotional sanctuary as they cross that threshold into parenthood. I wish queer and trans folk felt safe and affirmed in their healthcare. I wish men were included in reproductive healthcare. I wish it were all designed with safety and love at the center.

SOURCE: TEDxRoxbury • AUTHOR: Nashira Baril • LAST UPDATED: September 14, 2024

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ birthing options](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birthing-options)
- [ birth care providers](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-care-providers)
- [reproductive justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/reproductive-justice)
- [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices)
- [midwife](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/midwife)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Choices in Childbirth

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.

![Choices in Childbirth scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choices-in-childbirth)

[ResourcesRead

## Lessons from Black Midwives

Six Black midwives share their insights and experiences in the face of today's worsening maternal and infant mortality rates.

![AdobeStock_404215824](data:image/png;base64,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)

Six Black midwives share their insights and experiences in the face of today's worsening maternal and infant mortality rates.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/lessons-from-black-midwives)

[ResourcesRead

## Choosing a Place of Birth

This resource helps you decide among your options for giving birth at a hopsital, home, or birth center, depending on your geographical location.

![janko-ferlic-T5Q78o0xTdw-1536x960](data:image/png;base64,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)

This resource helps you decide among your options for giving birth at a hopsital, home, or birth center, depending on your geographical location.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choosing-a-place-of-birth)

[ResourcesRead

## Choosing a Maternity Care Provider

This Childbirth Connection resource walks you through questions to consider when deciding on a birthing care provider.

![Baby Hand with Adult](data:image/png;base64,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)

This Childbirth Connection resource walks you through questions to consider when deciding on a birthing care provider.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choosing-a-maternity-care-provider-2)

[ResourcesWatch

## TED Talk: How Racism Harms Pregnant Women And What Can Help by Miriam Zoila Pérez

A TED talk from doula, reporter, and activist Miriam Zoila Pérez about how racism affects pregnant people’s health and the health of their babies.

![How Racism Harms Pregnant Women And What Can Help scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A TED talk from doula, reporter, and activist Miriam Zoila Pérez about how racism affects pregnant people’s health and the health of their babies.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ted-talk-how-racism-harms-pregnant-women-and-what-can-help-by-miriam-zoila-perez)

[ResourcesRead

## The Historical Significance of Black Doulas and Midwives

This blog post, from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, celebrates the unsung work of African American birth workers, including doulas and midwives.

![Siloam greene county ga vicinity midwife going on a call carrying her kit d977bf 1024 e1687465869116 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This blog post, from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, celebrates the unsung work of African American birth workers, including doulas and midwives.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-historical-significance-of-black-doulas-and-midwives)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)