Quick Facts
- Born: January 22, 1871 • Knoxville, Illinois
- Died: October 14, 1952 (aged 81) • Denver, Colorado
- Known For:
- Colorado’s first licensed African American female physician
- Delivered over 7,000 babies throughout her career
- Served patients of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds who were often denied care elsewhere
- Overcame racism and sexism in the medical field
- Practiced medicine for more than 50 years, despite being denied hospital privileges
Legacy
Dr. Justina Ford refused to let racism and sexism deter her from practicing medicine. Despite being denied hospital privileges, she established her practice in her home, where she cared for thousands of mothers and babies—many of whom had nowhere else to go. Her story exemplifies perseverance, skill, and an unwavering commitment to her patients. Today, her legacy continues in the Justina Ford Museum and through generations of physicians who build upon her foundation.
Trailblazing Achievements
Born in 1871, Justina Ford knew she wanted to be a doctor from a young age. However, as a Black woman in the late 19th century, her dream felt nearly impossible.
Her nurse mother inspired her passion for medicine, and Justina demonstrated an early talent for helping others. However, when she expressed her desire to become a doctor, she was frequently met with the same reaction:
“No. Women don’t become doctors.”
She didn’t let that stop her. She pushed forward.
Becoming Colorado’s First Black Female Physician
Ford earned her medical degree in 1899 from Hering Medical College in Chicago. But even with a degree, she faced an uphill battle.
When she moved to Denver in 1902 to start her medical career, the Colorado Medical Board refused her a license. Their reason?
“Because you’re a woman. And because you’re Black.”
That could have ended her career right there. But Ford wasn’t one to accept rejection.
She fought for her license and eventually succeeded. However, hospitals still refused to grant her privileges so she couldn’t treat patients within their walls. Consequently, she turned her home into a hospital.
Bringing Healthcare to the Unseen and Unheard
Dr. Ford converted the front rooms of her Denver home into a medical office and began her work. For over 50 years, she cared for patients from diverse backgrounds—Black, white, Hispanic, immigrant, and Indigenous. Many were turned away from hospitals solely because of their identity.
She became known as “The Baby Doctor” because she delivered more than 7,000 babies, often treating patients regardless of their ability to pay. She accepted payments in any form people could provide—food, household goods, and occasionally just gratitude.
Her practice thrived not due to the system’s support but because her community required her.
Fighting for Recognition, Even in Death
For decades, Dr. Ford was denied formal recognition for her work. She never practiced in a hospital, wasn’t permitted to join the Colorado Medical Society until two years before her death, and never received the accolades she deserved while alive.
Yet she kept going. She kept saving lives. She kept showing up for her patients.
Controversies and Challenges
- Denied a medical license at first due to being both Black and a woman
- Refused hospital privileges despite her expertise
- Overlooked by the medical establishment for most of her career
- Worked without major institutional support but still built a successful practice
In Her Own Words
- “I fought like a tiger to get my medical license.” – She never let a no stop her.
- “People don’t come to see me because I’m Black. They come because they need help, and they know I won’t turn them away.” – She believed in medicine for all.
- “If you can’t get through the front door, go around to the back. If that’s locked, climb through a window.” – Her perseverance was unstoppable.
- “The human body is the same inside no matter what color the skin is outside.” – She refused to let racism define her work.
Her Lasting Legacy
Dr. Ford changed the face of medicine in Colorado and beyond. Though she was denied respect from her peers in life, her impact has been recognized in history.
- Her former home and medical office is now the Justina Ford Museum, preserving her legacy.
- She paved the way for Black female doctors in a time when medicine tried to shut them out.
- The Justina Ford Medical Society was founded in her honor, supporting minority physicians.
- In 1989, she was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame.
She didn’t let racism stop her. She didn’t let sexism stop her. She never let ‘no’ stop her.
Personal Reflections
As a midwife, I am in awe of Justina Ford’s determination. She didn’t just work against the system—she built her own. She made sure women, babies, and families had care, even when hospitals shut their doors to them.
Her story reminds me that birth workers have always been warriors. She wasn’t allowed in hospitals? She made her home to the hospital. She was denied recognition? Her community lifted her up.
She delivered 7,000 babies. But her greatest delivery was justice, care, and opportunity for generations of Black female physicians who came after her.
She didn’t just practice medicine—she redefined it.
And for that, SHEis Amazing!
Key Milestones
Explore More About Justina Ford
- Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
- Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame
- Justina Ford, Medical Pioneer
- Justina Ford: Baby Doctor
Note: Full disclosure: SHEis Online earns a small (very small) commission on any links in the article that take you to Amazon.
—- Stay Strong! Jaelin —-
Find out more about Jaelin’s Homebirth Practice (Holistic Heritage Homebirth) in Houston, TX
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