ROCHELLE LEVY-CHRISTOPHER
“I do believe that if I were a white woman, my questions, my concerns, everything would have been taken more seriously. And the road to discovery would have been a shorter one.”
A published poet, graphic designer, and entrepreneur, Rochelle is the Founder and CEO of The Black Literacy and Arts Collaborative Project.
Rochelle was interviewed first by EmVision Productions, and a year later, by Sumaya Ibrahim, Everyday Boston’s Story Editor, because she had more to say about her journey to motherhood, and the providers who harmed and helped her along the way. (Photograph provided by Rochelle)
(2 min 45)
Rochelle’s journey (pt 2)
Rochelle describes the doctor who finally listened to her and diagnosed her pain- and the intake person whose advocacy led to her being pregnant today.
(5 min)
Rochelle’s journey to motherhood (pt 1)
Rochelle describes how her experience as a Black woman in the health care system impacted her fertility journey.
Rochelle’s tips for patients of color
Make sure you ask questions and have the providers explain the answer until you understand
If providers don’t want to run a test you request, make sure to have them note that they denied your request in your chart
Advocate for yourself; you know your body best