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John,
We’re in a maternal health crisis: the United States maternal mortality rate is rising, and Black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
Black women have been systematically neglected and mistreated in our healthcare system, and they’re also more likely to live with health conditions from air and water pollution.
I’ve been discussing these urgent challenges with colleagues and advocates during the past week’s Black Maternal Health Week. As part of advocating to dismantle the systematic racism in our healthcare system, I’m urging Congress to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.
This legislative package includes 13 bills that would:
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Extend WIC eligibility during postpartum and breastfeeding periods to provide crucial nutrition for parents and babies
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Support anti-bias trainings for employees in maternity care settings and establish Respectful Maternity Care Compliance Programs to address racism and promote accountability
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Expand access to high-quality maternal mental health care and substance use services
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Increase the number of nurses, midwives, physician assistants, doulas, and other perinatal health workers who moms can trust throughout their pregnancies, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period
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Improve maternal healthcare and support for incarcerated moms, including ending the horrific process of shackling people as they give birth
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Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to pollution and climate change-related risks
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Fund community-based organizations and Tribal organizations working on maternal health
Most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, and it’s urgent that we implement these solutions to save lives now.
Can you add your name to support the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act?
In Michigan, lawmakers have also introduced the “MI Momnibus” bill package to improve healthcare quality, access, and outcomes for Black women and birthing people in our state.
Across the country, we will continue the push to eradicate racial disparities in maternal and infant health, and to dismantle systemic racism in all our institutions.
In solidarity,
Rashida
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