Planned Parenthood Applauds Reintroduction of Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act
For Immediate Release: May 15, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), Sen. Cory Booker (NJ), and members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus reintroduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a comprehensive bill package to end racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes and address the alarming maternal health crisis.
Maternal mortality is unacceptably high around the world. Currently, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, driven by health disparities in communities of color, particularly Black women — who are more than three times as likely to die due to pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts.
The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes, but is not limited to, measures to:
- Invest in social determinants of health that impact maternal health outcomes, such as housing, transportation, and nutrition
- Increase funding for community-based organizations that work to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity
- Improve data collection and quality measures on maternal health
- Expand and invest in maternal health care for veterans
- Invest in federal programs to address maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies
Quote Attributable to Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“Planned Parenthood Federation of America applauds the reintroduction of this crucial legislation to comprehensively address the maternal mortality crisis in the United States. Systemic racism in health care disproportionately impacts Black women and communities, too often with devastating and preventable consequences. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, this crisis has only heightened across the country, as lawmakers hostile to our rights have put essential health care out of reach for millions. Congress must act now to pass these urgently-needed policies to improve maternal health, advance equity, and support Black mothers, our families, and our communities.“
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.