Why Body Safety for Black Women Must Include Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Reproductive Justice: Honoring Adriana Smith

When we talk about Adriana Smith, especially online, we must remember: people around the world are entering this conversation from vastly different realities.

In some countries, healthcare isn’t tied to employment.
People with disabilities aren’t punished for needing care.
The history of Black women being bred to build a nation doesn’t shape their daily lives.

But here? That history still breathes.

Hiring Black women is often framed as a burden, a risk—even a mistake.
This, despite how hard we train, study, lead, and persevere. AND how our blood and labor went into building this country. 

The nerve—to act like you’re doing us a favor by ending the very discrimination that keeps us from jobs and homes… in a country our tortured bodies built, brick by brick, breath by stolen breath.

And it must be said clearly:
Body safety includes pregnancy.
Body safety includes childbirth.
Body safety includes reproductive care.

Especially for Black women and Black girls—whose safety in these matters has never been guaranteed, but often dismissed.

This is about labor, yes. But also about legacy. About life. About our right to survive it.

Sometimes Black women speak in survival codes, in inherited songs, in looks that say everything. It is not secrecy—it is legacy.

So we must keep having these conversations.
In closed circles where we feel unsilenced, uncensored, and safe.
And in the open when we are able. When we feel safe. 

Because silence has never protected us. It only protects systems.

To Adriana’s family:
We send abundant blessings and continued prayers during this devastating time.
May her name never be forgotten.
And may we honor her life by telling the truth—even when it costs.

Affirmations for Black Women on Body Safety, Pregnancy, and Reproductive Justice

1. My body is sacred, whether it is resting, birthing, healing, or resisting.

2. I deserve safety in every stage of life—before, during, and after childbirth.

3. I am not here to be used. I am here to be protected, honored, and heard.

4. My pain is real. My life matters. My story will not be erased.

5. I release the shame that was never mine to carry. I release it. I release it. I release it. 

6. I affirm that body safety includes reproductive safety—because my life is not disposable.

7. I do not have to prove my worth to deserve care, respect, or protection.

8. My ancestors walk with me, reminding me that survival is sacred—but I deserve more than survival. I deserve peace.

9. I honor Adriana Smith and all Black women who were not protected. We will not be silent.

10. My life is not a burden. My existence is not a mistake. I am a blessing—and I belong.