When the Water Breaks — Hannah Beier

When the water breaks

"When the Water Breaks" written by Layla Jones for the Philadelphia Inquirer explores Philadelphia's roots of systemic racism in America to its current maternal mortality crisis. Philadelphia is widely regarded as the birthplace of modern American medicine as the home to its first hospital, first medical school, and many early American medical associations. Lesser known is the city’s history as the birthplace of American obstetrics. But while maternal health innovations created here have saved countless lives, Black women have paid a price for the progress.

Natasha Carter, 36, seen at 28 weeks pregnant, poses for a portrait in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

Alicia Hutton, 30, poses for a picture with her 11-month-old son, Ezra Hutton, at her home in Camden, New Jersey.

(L-R) Amanii Alexander, 7, Jeremiah Mosby, 12, Emiah Cokley, 15, King Alexander, 2, and Falise Alexander, 32, pose for a picture in Brookhaven, Pennsylvania.

Natasha Carter’s, 36, ultrasound images are pictured in her home in Trevose, Pennsylvania.

Alicia Hutton, 30, poses for a portrait with her 11-month-old son, Ezra Hutton, at her home in Camden, New Jersey.

Natasha Carter, 36, seen at 28 weeks pregnant, poses for a portrait at her home in Trevose, Pennsylvania.

(L-R) Natasha Carter, 36, Alicia Hutton, 30, and Falise Alexander, 32, pose for a portrait in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Falise Alexander, 32, seen at 32 weeks pregnant, pose for a portrait with her son, Andre Alexander Jr., 4, in Brookhaven, Pennsylvania.

Natasha Carter, 36, seen at 28 weeks pregnant, poses for a portrait at her home in Trevose, Pennsylvania.