John,

This is Black Maternal Health Week, a time to address the unacceptable racial disparities in our country’s healthcare system.

Due to systemic racism, Black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The U.S. maternal mortality rate is higher than in similar countries—and it’s rising. Most of these deaths are preventable; I’m fighting to prevent them.

This week of activism and awareness was founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, a national network that includes Detroit-based Mothering Justice. I’ve had the honor of partnering with Mothering Justice for years, including starting the Mamas’ Caucus in Congress to uplift mothers of color and fight for changes like paid leave, affordable childcare, and health equity.

I’m also part of the Black Maternal Health Caucus in Congress and a co-sponsor of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act—a comprehensive policy package to address the Black maternal mortality crisis and save people’s lives.

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act would:

• Make critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition.

• Extend WIC eligibility during postpartum and breastfeeding periods to provide crucial nutrition for parents and babies.

• Fund community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes, promote equity, and reduce levels of and exposure to pollution and climate change-related risks.

• Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce (e.g. nurses, midwives, physician assistants, doulas). Culturally affirming care from Black birth workers is proven to improve outcomes for Black birthing people.  

• Support anti-bias trainings for employees in maternity care settings and establish Respectful Maternity Care Compliance Programs to address racism and promote accountability.

• And more

Can you add your name to support the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act so we can eradicate racial health disparities and save lives?

We must urgently implement solutions to the Black maternal health crisis, especially as the right-wingers in power attack civil and reproductive rights.

I will continue pushing in Congress to defend programs like Medicaid and to expand policies and services that help dismantle systemic racism. Together, we will keep building a more equitable society where Black women and birthing people thrive.

In solidarity,

Rashida