Joia Crear-Perry

Dr. Joia A. Crear-Perry, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and policy expert specializing in maternal health, reproductive justice, and health equity. After completing undergraduate studies at Princeton University and Xavier University, Crear-Perry earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Tulane University School of Medicine. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Crear-Perry has held leadership roles including executive director of the Birthing Project, director of women's and children's services at Jefferson Community Healthcare Center, and director of clinical services for the City of New Orleans Health Department. In these roles, she oversaw health care delivery for homeless populations, pediatric care, WIC, and gynecologic services in the New Orleans area.

As founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative, Crear-Perry advances solutions to improve Black maternal, infant, sexual, and reproductive health outcomes. The organization addresses social determinants of health, including racism, classism, and gender oppression, and works to bridge gaps between communities, hospitals, and government systems. Her advocacy includes challenging the use of race as a risk factor for illnesses such as premature birth, informed by her personal experiences.

Crear-Perry's work extends to government and international policy, including testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee and presentations to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on maternal health disparities. She has briefed journalists on abortion coverage and serves as an adjunct professor at Tulane School of Public Health. Crear-Perry is a principal at Health Equity Cypher and serves on the boards of Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Community Catalyst, National Clinical Training Center for Family Planning, and the University of California, San Francisco Preterm Birth Initiative.

Her contributions have been recognized with the Congressional Black Caucus Healthcare Heroes Award and the Maternal Health Task Force at Harvard University Global Visionary Award for Commitment to Advancing Women's Health. She has also been named Health Equity Health Advocate of the Year by Families USA. Crear-Perry has been featured in USA Today in its Women of the Century series and on ABC Nightline's "Hear Her Voice." Her work has appeared in publications including Essence and Ms. magazine. She is recognized for her expertise in maternal health, racial equity, and health justice.