Team,

There’s an ongoing public health crisis that’s gone unaddressed for far too long. I’m talking about maternal health.

You might be shocked to know that the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world, and it’s still rising. In this day and age with the advancements of modern medicine, no expecting mother in America should fear that they may lose their life when delivering their baby in a hospital.

Yet, maternal deaths are all too common in our country, with disparities occurring across race and income. For example, Black women are three to four times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women. That’s devastating — and inexcusable.

A maternal death is a tragedy. But a preventable maternal death is an outrage.

That’s why I’m partnering with Representatives Lauren Underwood, Alma Adams, Nanette Diaz Barragán and Sharice Davids as well as Senator Tammy Duckworth to address this public health crisis by introducing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021.

This sweeping package of bills aims to address the maternal mortality crisis as well as end the racial, ethnic, and economic disparities and promote equality and justice in maternal health care —  from providing more funding to community organizations, to promoting access to housing and nutrition, to providing support to new moms with mental health conditions, and more.

The Momnibus can begin to address this heartbreaking and preventable crisis affecting pregnant women and mothers across the country. Will you add your name as a citizen cosponsor to show your support and urge the Senate to pass this legislation ASAP?

Together, we can and must do better as a nation to stop preventable deaths and eradicate the systemic inequities that result in higher maternal mortality for women of color in our communities.

— Cory