‘Aftershock‘ cast Reflects on Maternal Mortality Crisis in new Interview
los Angeles, CA – November 26, 2025 – Actress Nicole P Bell and members of the cast of the critically acclaimed film ‘Aftershock’ recently discussed the urgent issue of maternal mortality and racial disparities in healthcare during an interview, shedding light on the film’s impact and the ongoing fight for improved maternal care. The conversation underscored the film’s role in sparking national dialogue and advocating for systemic change.
‘Aftershock,’ released in 2022, powerfully documents the stories of Shamony Gibson and Amber Isaacs, two Black women who died shortly after childbirth due to preventable complications. The film quickly became a catalyst for awareness, exposing the stark reality that Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The cast’s continued engagement with the topic aims to translate awareness into tangible action, addressing a crisis that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
Bell, who serves as an executive producer and advocate for maternal health, emphasized the importance of listening to black women’s experiences and demanding accountability from healthcare providers.”We have to center the voices of the women who are most impacted by this crisis,” she stated. “Their stories are not just statistics; they are lives cut short, families devastated, and a system that continues to fail them.”
The interview also featured insights from other cast members, who spoke about the emotional weight of portraying these stories and the duty they felt to honor the memories of Gibson and Isaacs. They highlighted the need for increased funding for maternal health research, improved training for healthcare professionals on implicit bias, and expanded access to quality care for all women, nonetheless of race or socioeconomic status.
Following the film’s release, several initiatives have gained momentum, including increased advocacy for the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a package of bills aimed at addressing racial disparities in maternal care. The cast hopes their continued advocacy will contribute to lasting change and prevent future tragedies.
