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Hi John — It’s Black Maternal Health Week, so I wanted to take a moment to talk about this critical issue and why this week is so important to me. Over the past two decades, even as maternal mortality rates have fallen significantly worldwide, preventable deaths relating to pregnancy have been increasing here in America — and it’s driven by far higher mortality rates among Black mothers and birthing people of color. Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die of a pregnancy-related cause, while other moms of color are unfairly impacted too. And for every mom we lose, another 70 experience “near misses” or significant short and long-term health consequences. This is both alarming and unacceptable, I know we can do better. That’s why I’m working to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act — twelve pieces of comprehensive legislation that provide the resources we need to study and address disparities in access to prenatal care, supportive services, education, and more. I've been working hard with many of my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common ground so we can pass this legislation and keep moms and babies safe. And I’m so proud to share that last November, the first piece of legislation from our Momnibus, the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, was signed into law.
As a nurse, this issue is deeply personal to me. I’ll never stop working to address this crisis with the urgency it deserves. Thanks for fighting right alongside me. — Lauren |
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