John,

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the industrialized world—and it’s even worse for Black mothers. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women in the U.S.¹ As we gather today to commemorate Juneteenth, let us engage in and support substantive policies that aim to redress some of the disparities and biases that affect Black families.

Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Alma Adams (NC-12) have reintroduced the bicameral Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act—an historic piece of legislation that addresses maternal mortality, morbidity, and other health disparities.

At a time when numerous states are disenrolling people from Medicaid due to the end of the pandemic-era continuous enrollment provision—a move that is estimated to result in up to 24 million people losing access to health care coverage—and right-wing forces trying to implement drastic cuts to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), it’s critical that Congress pass the Momnibus Act to save mothers’ lives.^2,3

In the wealthiest country in the world, giving birth shouldn’t mean risking your life. Mothers are the backbone of our society and Congress must act now to provide them with the support they need. Join us in sending a message to Congress to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.

The Momnibus Act encompasses a comprehensive range of policies that can significantly improve maternal health outcomes, promote equitable access to care, and create a supportive environment for mothers and families. Among these provisions are initiatives to expand access to affordable, high-quality prenatal and postpartum care, particularly for low-income women and Black women who face disproportionate barriers to health care services.

By investing in community-based programs, workforce development, and telehealth infrastructure, the bill aims to bridge the gaps in health care access and provide comprehensive care throughout pregnancy and the crucial postpartum period.

There are too many lives at stake for Congress to continue to wait to take action on addressing the maternal mortality crisis in this country. By passing the Momnibus Act, we can save the lives of current and future moms, and close racial and economic disparities in maternal health care.

Send an email to Congress now to urge them to pass this historic legislation.

Thank you for all you do to advocate for healthy families,

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs

¹ CDC, Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality
² How Many People Might Lose Medicaid When States Unwind Continuous Enrollment?
³ House Republicans’ Agriculture Appropriations Bill Would Cut WIC Benefits for 5 Million Participants, Put SNAP Benefits at Risk for 1 Million Older Adults