Celebrating the Pioneers, Advocates, and Innovators Who Have Transformed Reproductive Healthcare...
When the world needed a breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett was at the forefront. As a viral immunologist and one of the lead scientists behind the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, she played a critical role in creating a lifesaving tool during a global pandemic.
But beyond her groundbreaking work in vaccine science, Dr. Corbett’s research has had profound implications for Black women’s reproductive health. The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted Black maternal health, exposing deep inequities in healthcare that left Black women more vulnerable to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
As both a scientist and a public health advocate, Dr. Corbett’s work represents more than just scientific advancement—it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of Black women’s leadership in medicine, research, and public health. This article explores her contributions to vaccine development, the pandemic’s impact on Black maternal health, and why her work continues to shape the future of reproductive justice.
The Woman Behind the Vaccine
Before COVID-19 became a household name, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett was already studying coronaviruses.
📌 She earned her PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
📌 She joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2014, focusing on viral immunology and vaccine research.
📌 When the pandemic hit in 2020, she and her team at NIH’s Vaccine Research Center were already developing mRNA vaccine technology—which would later become the foundation for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Her expertise and leadership helped fast-track the development of the vaccine, which became one of the first approved for emergency use in the U.S. Dr. Corbett’s role was groundbreaking—not just because she’s a brilliant scientist, but because she is a Black woman in a field where Black voices have historically been underrepresented and undervalued.
In interviews, she has spoken candidly about the importance of representation in science and how her presence in the research lab matters, especially when it comes to building trust in the Black community regarding vaccines and public health.
COVID-19 and the Crisis in Black Maternal Health
While Dr. Corbett’s vaccine helped save millions of lives, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed and deepened racial disparities in maternal and reproductive health—disparities that Black women have faced for generations.
1. Pregnant Black Women Faced Higher Risks During COVID-19
📌 Studies showed that pregnant Black women were more likely to contract COVID-19 than white women, due to higher rates of frontline work, lack of paid leave, and limited access to quality healthcare.
📌 Black pregnant women who contracted COVID-19 were at greater risk for preterm labor, stillbirth, and severe complications.
📌 Misinformation and distrust in the medical system led some Black women to avoid vaccinations, even though the CDC confirmed that COVID-19 vaccines were safe and effective during pregnancy.
The pandemic further illuminated how systemic racism and medical bias continue to put Black mothers at risk.
2. The Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Reproductive Health
In addition to its immediate dangers to pregnant women, COVID-19 raised important concerns about long-term effects on reproductive health.
Researchers are still studying:
✔️ How COVID-19 impacts fertility and menstrual health. Some women reported changes in their menstrual cycles after contracting COVID-19 or getting vaccinated—an area that still needs more research.
✔️ The effects of long COVID on pregnancy. Some women with long COVID experience ongoing inflammation and cardiovascular issues, which could affect future pregnancies.
✔️ The pandemic’s impact on access to maternal care. Many hospitals restricted in-person prenatal visits or limited birth support options, disproportionately affecting Black women, who already face higher rates of maternal mortality.
The pandemic not only threatened Black maternal health directly but also highlighted the urgent need for stronger healthcare systems that prioritize Black women’s well-being.
Dr. Corbett’s Role in Building Trust in Medicine
Black communities have historically faced medical racism, from the forced sterilization of Black women to the unethical Tuskegee Syphilis Study. This history has understandably created deep distrust in the healthcare system, including vaccines.
As a Black woman leading vaccine research, Dr. Corbett understood this distrust—and made it her mission to engage directly with the Black community.
📌 She participated in virtual town halls, public discussions, and social media outreach to answer questions about the vaccine.
📌 She spoke openly about medical racism, acknowledging the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy while emphasizing the importance of protecting Black communities from COVID-19.
📌 Her efforts helped shift the narrative and increase vaccine confidence among Black Americans.
By stepping into both the science and advocacy spaces, Dr. Corbett became more than just a researcher—she became a trusted voice in public health.
The Intersection of Public Health and Reproductive Justice
Dr. Corbett’s work is a reminder that public health, vaccine research, and reproductive justice are deeply connected.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for reproductive health policies that:
✔️ Protect pregnant Black women during public health crises.
✔️ Ensure Black women have access to accurate, science-based medical information.
✔️ Fund research on how viruses and vaccines impact reproductive health.
The fight for reproductive justice isn’t just about abortion rights—it’s about ensuring that Black women have full autonomy over their bodies and access to healthcare that prioritizes their safety.
Dr. Corbett’s work has paved the way for more Black women in science and public health, ensuring that our voices are heard in conversations about medicine, vaccines, and reproductive care.
What Comes Next? Advocating for Black Women’s Health
While the world moves forward from the peak of the pandemic, the fight for Black women’s reproductive health continues.
📢 We need more Black women in science, medicine, and public health. Dr. Corbett’s presence in vaccine research showed how important representation is—we need more Black medical professionals leading research on reproductive health and maternal care.
📢 We need policies that center Black maternal health. The pandemic exposed just how fragile our healthcare system is when it comes to protecting Black mothers—we must advocate for expanded maternal healthcare coverage, midwifery services, and reproductive health research funding.
📢 We must continue to build trust in medicine. Misinformation can cost lives. Educating Black communities about vaccines, reproductive health, and medical advancements is essential to closing the racial health gap.
Join the Movement for Black Maternal Health
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett’s contributions to vaccine science not only helped save lives during COVID-19 but also shined a light on racial disparities in healthcare. Her work reminds us that public health and reproductive justice go hand in hand.
Black women deserve science-backed, culturally competent, and accessible healthcare—and it starts with education, advocacy, and representation in medicine.
📖 Want to learn more about the Black women shaping reproductive health today?
Read: Honoring the Legacy, Empowering the Future: Black Women’s Contributions to Reproductive Health
💜 Join the Health In Her HUE Community! Find culturally competent doctors, share your experiences, and connect with other Black women advocating for reproductive health.
