Access to and interest in human milk research opportunities among Black pregnant and postpartum people.

Background: Concerns exist regarding biomedical research participation in marginalized and historically disadvantaged communities. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand critical barriers to participation in human milk research from the perspective of Black pregnant and postpartum people. Methods: A national sample of Black pregnant and postpartum people (n = 104) was recruited to complete a cross-sectional online survey informed by the Life Course Perspective. Survey questions assessed research experiences and preferences, particularly related to human milk research, knowledge of historical events/policies targeting Black communities, and demographic characteristics. A socio-economic composite score was calculated as an indicator of socio-economic advantage. Survey data were summarized descriptively and potential correlates of research engagement were evaluated. Results: Most (69%, n = 71) respondents reported previous participation in a research study, yet only 8 (8%) reported ever being asked to participate in a breastfeeding/chestfeeding or human milk study, and one respondent was unsure. Despite so few having been asked, 59% (n = 61) of respondents indicated they would donate breast/human milk to research if asked. Respondent characteristics associated with prior research participation included having greater socio-economic advantage (p = 0.027) and greater knowledge of discriminatory historical events/policies (p < 0.001). In contrast, the only respondent characteristic associated with willingness to donate human milk to research was younger age (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Black pregnant and postpartum people are interested in biomedical research, specifically human milk and lactation research. However, greater intentionality and targeted recruitment of this underrepresented population is needed to increase diversity among human milk and lactation study samples. Structural and community-based interventions, informed by community members, are needed to address concerns and improve participant engagement.

Black Women's Lived Experiences of Abortion.

In this study, we aim to understand abortion in the context of structural racism and reproductive injustice. We designed this study using Reproductive Justice and Public Health Critical Race Praxis frameworks. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with self-identified Black women over the age of 18 who have had an abortion. The primary identified theme is that "choice" around abortion is a privilege that is not always available to Black women. Participants discussed domains of experience around abortion. The domains were (1) community experience and intergenerational wisdom, (2) personal experience and beliefs, (3) the process of accessing abortion, and (4) reflecting on abortion experience and recovery. Understanding the ways in which reproductive injustices and structural racism constrict choices is critical to providing abortion care. Abortion care should seek to honor the experiences of Black women, trust in the expertise that Black women have in our own bodies, and work to provide Reproductive-Justice-informed care.