Discussion Guide

What are some of your biggest takeaways from the film? What surprised you? Were you moved when watching the film?

Now that you’ve watched the film, how does the information presented through the family's experiences alter or change your perception of the US healthcare system, especially for marginalized communities, and communities of color?

• How do you feel that treatment of Black individuals within medical care relates to the overall treatment of Black people in our society? Can you think of other examples where the color of a person’s skin affects the quality of the treatment that they receive?

• Do you believe there will be political/governmental changes surrounding maternal health and specifically Black maternal health?

Aftershock is entering the landscape during a pivotal time politically surrounding maternal and reproductive health - Roe v. Wade was overturned this year by the US Supreme Court. How important are films like Aftershock in bringing forth conversations around these topics to communities who might not have access to information surrounding these issues?

Prior to watching the film, did you have much knowledge about maternal health inequity in the US? If so, what were some things that you already had knowledge about, and where did you see conversations around this topic taking place?

• Was your overall opinion of the US healthcare system surrounding maternal and reproductive health positive, negative, or neutral, and how come?

Until the late 19th century, the majority of births in the US were attended by midwives, many of whom were Black, indigenous, or immigrant women. Most midwives, including enslaved women, drew upon traditional healing knowledge and practices passed down through generations or apprenticeship with physicians or experienced midwives. In the early 20th century, however, as childbirth became medicalized, physicians emerged as the primary birth attendants and childbirth moved from the home to the hospital. Midwives delivered about half of all babies  in the early 1900s; by 1930, however, that figure had dropped to just 15% (source).

• Why have Black midwives historically been so crucial to quality maternal health care?

• Why is it important to have more diversity of midwives and doulas as was apparent in the past as discussed above?

Caesarean or C-sections: 

• What is the link between the C-Sections of today, and the surgical experimentation on Black women of the past? 

• Why have C-Sections become more common than in the past?

How does the film challenge your perspective on what changes need to be made in the US healthcare system - particularly surrounding Black maternal health equity?

• What are the factors that impede Black women’s access to quality medical care?

• How does insurance (or a lack of it) play a role in increasing risks for Black women?

If you found yourself in a similar situation to what both families had to endure, what would be your response or reaction? Before watching the film, had you considered that the color of your skin can determine the quality of healthcare you get in our country?

In what ways can you help to inform those from your own community about the medical industry surrounding Black health inequity, and specifically, the experience as it pertains to maternal health inequity?

How important do you feel family support is during challenging times and how can the support of family help uplift those around them that need it most? 

Omari, Bruce and their families are going through incredibly emotional and painful experiences, yet they still embark on inspiring journeys in order to create change, and help prevent others from having to suffer what they did. What particular moment in the film did you find most inspiring or moving?

What are some ways in which male allyship contributes positively to community and family? How can we better empower Black men during the process of pregnancy so that they are more equipped to navigate the maternal health care system?

How can we better support families of women who have passed during childbirth? What do you believe are important services or resources to provide for these families?