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Black Maternal Health Caucus Applauds Energy and Commerce Committee for Considering Bills in Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Black Maternal Health Caucus, co-chaired by Congresswomen Alma Adams and Lauren Underwood, has applauded the Energy and Commerce Committee for considering two bills included in the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021. The Social Determinants for Moms Act and the Data to Save Moms Act aim to address the root causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States, particularly for Black women. The caucus has expressed urgency in addressing the maternal mortality crisis, citing the need for comprehensive legislation to protect the health of pregnant people and new mothers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 includes 12 bills to comprehensively address the clinical and non-clinical drivers of the maternal health crisis in the United States.
  • The Social Determinants for Moms Act, led by Rep. Lucy McBath, would make key investments to address social determinants of health that impact maternal health outcomes, including housing, nutrition, and transportation.
  • The Data to Save Moms Act, led by Rep. Sharice Davids, would make critical improvements to maternal health data collection and reporting processes to ensure a complete understanding of the causes of maternal mortality.
  • Rep. Underwood stated, "There is no time to wait" to advance the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to protect the health of pregnant people and new moms.
  • Rep. Adams emphasized, "We won't stop until the United States is the safest and most supportive place to become a parent."
  • Chairwoman Anna G. Eshoo, Chairwoman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, highlighted the need to address the shameful fact that the U.S. is the most dangerous place in the developed world to deliver a baby, especially for Black women.
  • Rep. Lucy McBath shared her personal story of struggling with pregnancy and experiencing complications before having her son, highlighting the need for quality, affordable maternal health care.
  • Rep. Sharice Davids emphasized the importance of effective, compassionate policy built on reliable data to address the crisis of maternal health in the United States.

Statistics:

  • The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality among developed countries, with particularly high rates for Black women.
  • The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act aims to address the complex web of social determinants, including housing, nutrition, and transportation, that impact maternal health outcomes.
  • The Data to Save Moms Act would improve data collection and reporting processes to ensure a complete understanding of the causes of maternal mortality.

Sources:

  • [1] Black Maternal Health Caucus (2021) - "Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021" - H.R. 959
  • [2] Office of the MP Alma Adams (2021) - News Release: Black Maternal Health Caucus Applauds Energy and Commerce Committee for Considering Bills in Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021
  • [3] Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (2021) - Statement on the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021
  • [4] Chairwoman Anna G. Eshoo (2021) - Statement on the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing on the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act
  • [5] Rep. Lucy McBath (2021) - Statement on the Social Determinants for Moms Act
  • [6] Rep. Sharice Davids (2021) - Statement on the Data to Save Moms Act

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