Before a Breath is a documentary following three mothers who turn their grief from stillbirth losses into advocacy for safer pregnancies. After losing her daughter, Autumn, Debbie Haine Vijayvergiya discovers that over 20,000 stillbirths occur annually in the U.S., with at least 25% being preventable, leading her to fight for federal action in Washington.

The film also features maternal health advocate Kanika Harris, who lost twins while training Black birth workers, and nurse Stephanie Lee, who seeks answers about her daughter’s death while navigating another pregnancy. Based on ProPublica’s Pulitzer Prize finalist reporting, it explores how these women work to improve outcomes for expecting parents.

Tuesday, October 28th, 6 pm.

Freeman Auditorium

6 pm reception: light refreshments will be served. 

6:30 pm: screening of Before a Breath.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring the filmmaker, Nadia Sussman, Joni Hess, reporter at The Times-Picayune and mother to Eliana, and Kimberly Novod, executive director of Saul’s Light, a New Orleans non-profit that is committed to supporting NICU and bereaved families through comprehensive resources and compassionate care.

All are welcome; this event is open to the public.

This is an independently organized event inspired by reporting from ProPublica, an award-winning nonprofit newsroom.