By: Michelle Yiu
Executive Summary
In recent years, NHeLP has encountered discussions regarding the problematic etymology of the term “doula” as associated with slavery. Given this, NHeLP began conducting research and internal discussions on whether we should reconsider our use of the term within our advocacy work. Because we are not doulas, we engaged our doula partners for their thoughts on NHeLP’s framing and language in the Doula Medicaid Project.
After consideration, NHeLP will continue to use the terms “doula” and “full spectrum doula,” while also noting alternative terms (e.g., birthworkers, full spectrum support advocates, etc.) in parentheses. This issue brief explains our process for arriving at this decision.
