POLICY & LEGISLATION
Positive change is happening. We encourage you to visit these sites for updates on policy and legislation.
Learn more about the issues presented in BIRTHING JUSTICE and find out how you might help.
NATIONAL
Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 (H.R. 959—117th Congress)
Directs multi-agency efforts to improve maternal health, particularly among racial and ethnic minority groups, veterans and other vulnerable populations. Includes 12 bills. Sponsored by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL).
The Build Back Better Act (H.R.5376—Inflation Reduction Act of 2022—117th Congress)
Makes the largest investments in American history to save moms’ lives, end racial and ethnic maternal health disparities, and advance birth equity across the US, including every eligible provision of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and permanent yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage. It passed in the Senate and the House in August of 2022.
CALIFORNIA
California Momnibus Act (SB 65)
Aims to close the existing racial gaps in maternal and infant mortality rates. Authored by Senator Nancy Skinner.
GEORGIA
MINNESOTA
HF1268
African American Baby Coalition Funding Expansion of Health Care Coverage for Postpartum Care
MISSOURI
SB 710
Modifies provisions relating to healthcare, including establishing Sickle Cell Awareness Week and Black Maternal Health Week. Sponsored by Senator Doug Beck.
POLICY LEADERS
BLACK BIRTH MATTERS. BLACK BIRTH MATTERS. BLACK BIRTH MATTERS. BLACK BIRTH MATTERS.
We know that when women do not get the healthcare they need, families suffer, communities suffer and our nation suffers.
Vice President Kamala Harris
As the rest of the world works to improve maternal health outcomes, skyrocketing maternal mortality rates here in the United States are precipitating a public health crisis—one that puts mothers of color especially at risk.
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)
As maternal mortality rates continue to drop around the world, they are rising in the US, leaving behind devastated families and children who will grow up never knowing their moms. This crisis demands urgent attention and serious action to save the lives of Black mothers and all women of color and birthing people across the country.
Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14)
co-chair and co-founder of the Black Maternal Health Caucus
…the disproportionate rate of mortality and morbidity among Black women is a crisis within a crisis.”
Representative Alma Adams (D-NC-12)