John,

It’s Black Maternal Health Week, which means it’s time to demand equitable healthcare and push for solutions to our country’s growing maternal mortality crisis.

In the United States, the maternal mortality rate is much higher than that of similar countries, and it disproportionately impacts Black women—who are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

Most of these deaths are preventable, and we know many of the solutions that are needed to save lives. Many of these solutions are part of vital legislation I’ve cosponsored: the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.

This policy package would invest in social determinants of health like housing and nutrition, fund community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes, grow and diversify the workforce of birthing-related healthcare providers, and establish programs to address racism in maternity care settings.

Especially as the right-wing attacks civil rights and reproductive rights, we must urgently advance this legislation and save Black women’s lives.

Will you take a stand for Black maternal health today and sign on to support the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act?

“Black Mamas deserve equitable, culturally affirming care and community-driven solutions that drive lasting change,” wrote Black Mamas Matter Alliance, which founded the annual Black Maternal Health Week. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act would invest in that care and those solutions.

Together we will keep pushing to dismantle systemic racism, expand our civil rights, bring about reproductive justice and health equity, guarantee healthcare as a human right, and build a country with a truly multi-racial democracy—where everyone can thrive with dignity.

We will keep honoring the humanity of Black women and affirming that Black lives matter.

With you in this fight,

Rashida

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rashida Tlaib
Date: Sat, Apr 12, 2025
Subject: Sign to support the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.
To: [email protected]

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