The Justice and Equity in Perinatal Services Hub
We aim to expand access to rights-based, equitable, accessible, and culturally-safe perinatal health services that are free from mistreatment and discrimination.
Overview of JEPS
Initiatives
JEPS Seminar Series
Gain practical strategies for advancing health equity in perinatal care.
The Justice and Equity in Perinatal Services (JEPS) seminar series brings together researchers, clinicians, practitioners, policymakers, and birth workers each month to share transdisciplinary methodologies you can apply in your own research and practice. Speakers from across the globe offer frontline insights into the most pressing equity challenges in perinatal health, and what it takes to meaningfully transform care for the people who need it most.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or an early-career scholar, JEPS offers you the opportunity to:
- Build your knowledge and skills in reproductive justice and health equity research
- Learn from and alongside historically underrepresented voices shaping the future of perinatal care
- Connect with a global community of perinatal health professionals for collaboration and peer exchange
- Access training and mentorship pathways designed to support trainees and emerging scholars
Explore Past Seminars by Topic
Our Next Seminar:
Okawimaw Kanosimowin (Mother’s Bundle):
Indigenous Governance and Relational Models in Perinatal Care
June 24th at 12 PM PST/3 PM EST
This seminar introduces Indigenous-governed approaches to perinatal care through the Cultural Responsiveness Framework (CRF) and Indigenous Cultural Responsiveness Theory (ICRT). Drawing on Okawimaw Kanosimowin (Mother’s Bundle)—recognized as a global best practice through the Nature Awards for Inclusive Health Research —the session examines how culturally grounded, relational models of care address persistent inequities experienced by Indigenous women.
The presentation highlights a three-layer model of care integrating material supports, relational care through Mama Pods, and coordinated system navigation. Findings demonstrate improvements in cultural connection, trust, and engagement with health and social services.
The session also addresses the limitations of consultation-based approaches, emphasizing Indigenous governance, data sovereignty, and relational accountability as essential to transforming perinatal care systems. Practical guidance will be provided for researchers and practitioners working in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Interested in Joining the Hub?
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Do you have a resource on rights-based perinatal service you would like to amplify through the Hub?
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Discover Other Hubs
The JEPS Hub is part of the Pan Canadian Women's Health Coalition, an initiative supported by the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) and Women and Gender Equality Canada as part of the National Women’s Health Research Initiative. The coalition is composed of 10 hubs that aim to address persistent gaps and under-researched areas in women’s health.
The JEPS Hub is at the intersection of national and global initiatives that are working to improve access to rights-based care. Our Equity and Knowledge partners include the Uplift Lab, the National Council of Indigenous Midwives, the Science of Physiologic Birth, and the Quality Maternal & Newborn Care.
