Pasadena's Black Infant Health Program Faces Lawsuit Over Eligibility

A non-Black mother sues over denied access to the maternal support program

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:39am

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A solitary pregnant woman sits alone on a bench in a dimly lit urban setting, the warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood that evokes the challenges faced by marginalized mothers.A pensive expectant mother sits alone, the weight of systemic challenges casting a somber mood over an otherwise quiet urban scene.Pasadena Today

A new federal lawsuit claims a non-Black mother was denied access to Pasadena's long-running Black Infant Health program because she didn't meet its race-based eligibility rules. The case targets state, L.A. County, and Pasadena public health departments, and could reshape who qualifies for this maternal support program across California.

Why it matters

The Black Infant Health program has provided vital prenatal and postpartum support to Black mothers in Pasadena for decades, aiming to address stark racial disparities in infant mortality rates. However, this lawsuit raises questions about whether the program's race-based eligibility criteria violates anti-discrimination laws, potentially forcing it to open up to all mothers in need.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by a Hispanic woman who says she was denied access to the Black Infant Health program, which provides services like counseling, parenting classes, and home visits to support Black mothers before and after childbirth. The program has operated in Pasadena for over 30 years, but the lawsuit claims its race-based eligibility rules are unconstitutional.

  • The lawsuit was filed in federal court in April 2026.

The players

Black Infant Health program

A maternal support program in Pasadena that has provided services to Black mothers for over 30 years, with the goal of addressing racial disparities in infant mortality rates.

Pasadena public health departments

The local government agencies named in the lawsuit for operating the Black Infant Health program and enforcing its race-based eligibility criteria.

Hispanic woman

The plaintiff in the federal lawsuit who was denied access to the Black Infant Health program because she did not meet the race-based eligibility requirements.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the plaintiff out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding race-based social programs, and the potential for such programs to face legal challenges that could force them to open up to a wider population. It raises questions about how to best address persistent racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.