San Francisco government to give black mothers a $1,000 monthly stipend

As uncertainties of the coronavirus continue to threaten the economy, more individuals, organizations, and government agencies continue to tackle racial disparities.

Mayor of San Francisco London Breed earlier this week announced plans to begin a new program that would provide financial support to its minority and most vulnerable group.

The mayor named this new program the 'Abundant Birth Project' which will provide a basic monthly stipend of $1,000 for Black and Pacific Islander mothers both during and after childbirth.

“Providing guaranteed income support to mothers during pregnancy is an innovative and equitable approach that will ease some of the financial stress that all too often keeps women from being able to put their health first,” Mayor Breed said in a press statement.

According to the mayor, this new program has its roots in “racial justice” with a recognition that “Black and Pacific Islander mothers suffer disparate health impacts, in part because of the persistent wealth and income gap.”

“Thanks to the work of the many partners involved, we are taking real action to end these disparities and are empowering mothers with the resources they need to have healthy pregnancies and births,” said the mayor.

The initiative is led by Dr. Zea Malawa of the city Department of public health. The program is supported by the UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative and the Hellman Foundation. A total of 150 women across the city will benefit from this program.

In a press statement, Dr. Malawa said structural racism has left Blacks and Pacific Islander communities more vulnerable to COVID-19, and the lives of Black and PI mothers and babies are more at risk.

“Providing direct, unconditional cash aid is a restorative step that not only demonstrates trust in women to make the right choices for themselves and their families but could also decrease the underlying stress of financial insecurity that may be contributing to high rates of premature birth in these communities,” Dr. Malawa said. “It is exciting to be in a city that not only calls out racism as a problem but also takes steps to heal the wounds left by decades of injustice and anti-Black sentiment.”