Jennifer Cruz
ON THE RECORD · 4 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Especially here in the Bronx, going into these hospitals, when you hear ‘single mom’, there’s just this preconception that that means you don’t have money, you don’t know what you’re doing or that this was unplanned.”
Jennifer Cruz · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-19
Cruz recounted discriminatory treatment by hospital staff when she gave birth to her son, including being pressured to apply for WIC and asked about adoption despite being financially stable.
“Hispanic women can do this too. Black women can do this too, and it may not be the easiest path, but it is doable,”
Jennifer Cruz · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-19
Cruz, an Afro-Latina based in New York City, joined Single Mothers by Choice at age 29 and hopes to inspire other women of color to become single mothers by choice.
“If I had been white coming into the hospital, would they have done this?”
Jennifer Cruz · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-19
Cruz recounted discriminatory treatment by hospital staff when she gave birth to her son, including being pressured to apply for WIC and asked about adoption despite being financially stable.
“You don’t have to make choices of putting your career on hold or not being able to have kids because you can’t find someone. If this is something you truly feel is right for you, everyone should have that support to be able to do that.”
Jennifer Cruz · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-19
Cruz, an Afro-Latina based in New York City, joined Single Mothers by Choice at age 29 and hopes to inspire other women of color to become single mothers by choice.