Most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, but racial inequities and disparities which have endured for years are leading to increased risk of death and severe complications during childbirth. Black women in the U.S. are three to four times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related complication than white, non-Hispanic women, and they also experience more maternal health complications. These harmful outcomes are driven by a number of factors, including maternity care deserts, higher rates of underlying chronic conditions, poorer access to health care, continued racial disparities and bias within the system as well as other barriers which threaten women’s access to necessary and appropriate care before, during and after childbirth.
Congress should act to advance Black maternal health
Persistent racial disparities in the health of mothers are unacceptable, and lawmakers have an opportunity to address them through the “Black Maternal Health Caucus Momnibus” package. The proposals are aimed at improving the health outcomes of pregnant women and mothers, particularly African American and Native American women, incarcerated women, female veterans and others.
Additional Resources
- Read our letter to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform in support of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021.
- Read our letter of support to Black Maternal Health Caucus members Reps. Lauren Underwood and Alma Adams.
- On July 27, 2020, the Black Maternal Health Caucus hosted a virtual “2020 Black Maternal Health Caucus Stakeholder Summit: Passing the Momnibus and Promoting Black Maternal Health in 2020 and Beyond.” Watch the event here.
