Black Maternal Health Outcomes Matter

Expectant and new mothers die at unacceptable rates in the United States. In Virginia, Black women face a maternal mortality rate more than two times higher than that of white women. Babies born to Black mothers die at a rate 2.3 times higher than babies born to white women. On April 17th I attended a meeting at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the Honorable Xavier Becerra, Rep. Lauren Underwood, Rep. Robin Kelly, Andrew Fullerton (Deputy Director of Federal Affairs for March of Dimes), and a host of other prominent experts from around our nation representing various fields. We met to discuss best practices and best innovative models being used to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in our country. Some of these individuals played a vital role in introducing the "Black Health Momnibus Act." This legislative package includes 12 bills that would work to improve Black maternal health outcomes, improve data collection to study the unique health risks facing minority women, create digital tools like telehealth, which is used to reach underserved areas, and strengthen efforts to recruit and train a diverse perinatal workforce. Because of lack of access to care, bias from medical providers and other factors, Black moms not only have more preterm births in the U.S., they also face much higher risks of serious health complications than moms of other races. I advocate for March of Dimes to encourage our lawmakers to cosponsor the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act as well as other pieces of legislation because I care about the health of moms and babies in America. If you would like to join me in this effort contact your local lawmakers or advocate for March of Dimes and Be The Change You Want To See! https://www.marchofdimes.org/get-involved/advocate