Fatu Forna is an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Why Black women are dying during pregnancy and what we can do about it

Conditions and Diseases
February 12, 2023

“Dr. Forna, I’m not going to die this pregnancy, am I?”

“No, ma’am. You’re not going to die this pregnancy. Not on my watch! We are going to do everything we can to keep you safe.”

I’ve had this conversation with pregnant women many times in my over 20-year career as an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN). Still, they have become more frequent in the last few years as more stories of Black women dying …

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Why Black women are dying during pregnancy and what we can do about it

Use diverse children’s books to bridge our empathy gap

Physician
December 20, 2016

When was the last time your child read a book featuring someone different from them?

When did they last read a book about an African American girl celebrating her birthday, a Mexican American girl celebrating her quinceañera, or a Jewish American boy celebrating his bar mitzvah?

What about a book featuring Chinese American, Native American, Indian American or Muslim children?

Think of the last few books you read to your children. Chances are, …

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Use diverse children’s books to bridge our empathy gap

When should you talk to your teenage daughter about sex?

Physician
December 2, 2016

So, have you talked to your teenage daughter about sex?

Have you really talked to her about sex?

I’m not talking about the superficial birds and the bees conversation; I’m talking about using words like vagina, penis, and condom. Yes, those words!

As an obstetrician-gynecologist and a mother of girls, I know the challenges that our daughters face as they navigate their teenage years. I know how critical it is to have real …

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When should you talk to your teenage daughter about sex?