The creation of a Maternal and Infant Health Center in Trenton, a city that does not have a birthing center and suffers from one of the highest disparities in maternal and infant deaths between white mothers and Black and Latino mothers, will serve as a beacon of hope and national hub for maternal and infant health innovation. It will provide essential clinical care to the community while also addressing interconnected challenges such as food insecurity, housing, and transportation.
Maternal mortality rates in the United States are deeply troubling. As the wealthiest country in the world, we should be at the forefront of maternal health care. Regrettably, our country is 55th in the world and has the worst rates of maternal mortality among developed countries. Furthermore, the gap between rates in the U.S. and other high-income countries is widening. Although our work has begun to move us in the right direction, New Jersey has one of the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality in America. Tragically and shamefully, these deaths also fall disproportionately upon Black and Latino mothers. These disparities are a direct result of systemic racism, and it is our responsibility to address them head-on. It is simply unconscionable that over 90% of maternal deaths are preventable, and we are committed to changing this reality.
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Building a stronger and fairer New Jersey begins with prioritizing the health and well-being of our mothers and newborns. Our commitment to supporting mothers and their children is unwavering, and the Maternal and Infant Health Center will serve as a testament to that commitment. Thank you for your continued support and dedication. I believe that together, we can create lasting change and ensure that every mother and newborn in New Jersey receives the care and support they deserve. Warm regards, First Lady Tammy Murphy |
