A series of free workshops across Alaska aimed at training doulas has raised questions about how the state-funded group overtly favors certain demographic groups over others.
The flyer, seen in locations in Anchorage this week, advertises “Birth Doula Support Skills Workshops” scheduled throughout Alaska. These hands-on sessions offer training in prenatal support, postpartum care, and birth-related assistance. Lunch is included, and the events are free to participants.
But it’s a specific note on the flyer that has drawn attention: “Priority is given to BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and rural applicants — but all are welcome to apply.” BIPOC means anyone but white. LGBTQIA2S means lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, indeterminate, asexual and two-spirit, a reference to Native people with gender identity issues.
The workshops are sponsored by the State of Alaska Division of Public Health and the University of Alaska Anchorage, both taxpayer-funded organizations.
The stated prioritization of certain racial, sexual orientation, and geographic categories amounts to viewpoint and identity-based discrimination, potentially excluding white, heterosexual, and urban residents from fair consideration.
Under the second Trump Administration, this kind of identity prioritization could threaten federal funding to both UAA and the State’s public health division.
Federal anti-discrimination laws bar publicly funded programs from giving preferential treatment based on race, sex, or sexual orientation — even under the guise of diversity efforts. The president has signed executive orders ending such discrimination.
Also listed as sponsors are Due North Support Services and the Alaska Birth Collective. Due North is owned by Dalecia Young, who supported the effort to recall Governor Mike Dunleavy in 2019 by signing the recall petition. Her company was administratively dissolved by the Department of Commerce in 2023 for failing to meet filing requirements, and only reinstated earlier this year.
Ok so the first thing we do not do with this, is give it ANY news. None. Nada. That is what these unhinged LGBTQ sickos want. To be noticed. So do not give it to them. This is not news.
Good grief. How stupid can you get? So we really have to treat people like they are stupid and dumb down an explanation of the law? I need more coffee.
What “explanation of the law” was dumbed down?
So prioritise alphabet mafia people, who can not reproduce naturally and do not have the key ingredients of both mother and father, over young families who do. Another clear example of leftist luxury beliefs.
We ought to leave the left to itself. In a generation most will be gone as they do not reproduce and their ideology does not lead to family formation or human thriving. They are surplus to requirements.
So is this a place where homosexuals playing house buy a baby from a surrogate?
Abnormal Doula = Abdoula
Thank you for featuring our work on your blog! We’re grateful for every opportunity to shine a light on the life-saving efforts happening across Alaska. The Full Embrace Doula Training was created with one purpose in mind: to build a future where every Alaskan birthing person is held with dignity, support, and culturally-rooted care.
Yes, the training is free. Yes, it is open to ALL Alaskans who feel called to this work. And yes, we are proud to center equity, love, and community—because they save lives. We prioritize training people from communities that have historically been left behind—not to exclude anyone, but to finally reach the families who have so often gone without because the truth is, in Alaska:
– Rural families often travel hundreds of miles just to give birth, separated from their support systems.
– Indigenous mothers are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts.
– The leading causes of maternal death here include overdose, suicide, and violence—deaths that are preventable, but rarely talked about in traditional birth education.
These are not just statistics. They are our sisters, cousins, aunties, and friends. When doulas come from the same cultures, languages, and landscapes as the people they serve, the support runs deeper. The outcomes are better. And the healing spreads.
We’re also deeply grateful for the support of strong Alaskan institutions who share this vision and are dedicated to the wellbeing and happiness of our people. Their partnership helps make this work possible and sustainable.
I know some folks would rather stir up fear than talk about solutions. But I believe most people see through that. I believe most people want to be part of something good.
So if you’ve ever felt the tug toward birthwork, if you want to make a difference in your community, if you’re curious about what this is all about, come join us! There is a place for you here.
With a full heart,
Dalecia Young
“… every Alaskan birthing person is held with…”
Do you mean women who are about to or already are mothers?
Your ideology seems to be getting in the way of reality.
Two of your own statements are quite enlightening.
” Indigenous mothers are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts.
– The leading causes of maternal death here include overdose, suicide, and violence”
The conclusion seems obvious to me.
Dalecia, no one is complaining about doula training. Its the racist, sexist, classist, priority structure espoused by these institutions that needs to eradicated.
Help me make sense of your comment. In pertinent part you state:
“– Rural families often travel hundreds of miles just to give birth, separated from their support systems.
– Indigenous mothers are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts.
– The leading causes of maternal death here include overdose, suicide, and violence—deaths that are preventable, but rarely talked about in traditional birth education.”
I agree Rural families often travel
100s of miles to give birth. However, isn’t it the mother’s choice (and a very responsible one) to be at a medical facility equipped and staffed in the event of complications? Hasn’t traveling to such facilities greatly decreased the infant/mother mortality rate in rural areas?
Additionally, you claim indigenous mothers are 3-4 X more likely to die from pregnancy related complications, yet you advocate birthing away from medical facilities with trained staff.
You go on to blame these “pregnancy deaths” on overdose, suicide and violence.
I respectfully argue that “overdose” is a drug use related problem, not a pregnancy issue. “Suicide” is a mental health issue, not a pregnancy related issue. Violence is a crime problem, not a pregnancy related issue.
It has to be screwed up. Better to avoid them anyway.
This is the “Height”of discrimination.I thought we were not supposed to discriminate..Talk about illegal discrimmination ha..ha.
If this is factual, and I will assume it is, it should be halted by the state. Besides ridiculous perverted assumptions of identity it excludes nearly all not insane citizens. If some pervert wants to do anything like this do it on your own dime.
Another bleeding heart