PDF Finding Aid

Using These Materials


RESTRICTIONS:

Access to this record group is unrestricted

More...

Navigate the Collection

Summary

Abstract:
This collection documents the founding and day-to-day activities of BirthNet, a birth justice organization located in the Capital District of New York.
Extent:
5.42 cubic ft.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, BirthNet Records, 1994-2000. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the BirthNet Records).

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection contains administrative records, including meeting and annual meeting files, organizing files; clips, publications; correspondence; partnership files; subject files; and advocacy files.

Biographical / Historical:

BirthNet is a birth justice organization founded in 2001 that serves the Albany, New York area, including the communitities of Troy, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Latham, Colonie, Saratoga, and East and North Greenbush. BirthNet's mission is to ensure that all families receive respectful and appropriate maternity and infant care and to eradicate the inequities in birth outcomes for all childbearing people and birthing situations caused by healthcare discrimination. The purpose is to educate women and their families about all of their birthing options, including midwifery care and homebirth, along with the risks of medical interventions during childbirth. BirthNet is an advocacy organization that connects people with supportive resources, community events, and doula and midwifery services in the Capital Region of New York. BirthNet envisions a community that is centered on personalized care that is culturally appropriate and results in optimal health outcomes. The goals are to place women back into positions of control during childbirth, and to view pregnancy and childbirth as a natural process instead of a medical condition. Maternal mortality rates and the prevention of pregnancy-related death is a key concern for BirthNet. BirthNet intends to push back against the historically racist gynecological profession and empower BIPOC individuals through their programs. Access to education and tools to promote positive birthing experiences regardless of size, gender, sexuality, orientation, and family or cultural structure is encouraged by the organization. BirthNet created partnerships with other organizations for birth education and advocacy, such as the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), Citizens for Midwifery, and the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS). BirthNet began working on Birth Justice initiatives in Albany in 2017 to address healthcare disparities. In 2019, BirthNet held the first doula training program in the Capital District.

Acquisition information:
All items in this collection were donated by Carolyn Keefe in March 2023.
Processing information:

This collection was processed in 2024 by Maggie Zehr.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically into three series as follows:

1: Administrative Files, 1994-2020, Undated 2: Public Education, 1995-2018, Undated 3: Events and Workshops, 1999-2018, Undated

Physical location:
The materials are located onsite in the department.

Contents


Access

Using These Materials

ACCESS:
The archives are open to the public and anyone is welcome to visit and view the collections.
RESTRICTIONS:

Access to this record group is unrestricted

TERMS OF ACCESS:

This page may contain links to digital objects. Access to these images and the technical capacity to download them does not imply permission for re-use. Digital objects may be used freely for personal reference use, referred to, or linked to from other web sites.

Researchers do not have permission to publish or disseminate material from these collections without permission from an archivist and/or the copyright holder.

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of copyright. Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) and/or by the copyright or neighboring-rights laws of other nations. More information about U.S. Copyright is provided by the Copyright Office. Additionally, re-use may be restricted by terms of University Libraries gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks.

The Department of Special Collections and Archives is eager to hear from any copyright owners who are not properly identified so that appropriate information may be provided in the future.

PREFERRED CITATION:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, BirthNet Records, 1994-2000. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the BirthNet Records).

Schedule a Visit

Archival materials can be viewed in-person in our reading room. We recommend making an appointment to ensure materials are available when you arrive.

Schedule a Visit Hours