WASHINGTON, DC (May 9, 2018) – Today, the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) applauds Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL) and other Members of Congress for introducing federal legislation to address our nation’s rising maternal mortality and morbidity crisis. Representative Kelly was joined by her colleagues during a press conference today, in honor of Mother’s Day, and introduced “The Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness Act (MOMMA).”
This legislation will address one of the most significant health disparities among women of color, in particular, disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality.
“It is incredibly important that we continue to elevate the awareness of maternal health, and take vital actions to save more mothers and babies — especially mothers and babies of color,” says Linda Goler Blount, president and CEO of Black Women’s Health Imperative. “Annually about 1,200 women in the U.S. suffer fatal complications during pregnancy while giving birth or during the post-partum period and Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy complications and two times more likely to experience maternal morbidity than their counterparts. We are proud to support the MOMMA’s Act which ensures that Black women and all women’s voices are amplified and heard regarding the maternal health crisis we are facing.”
The press conference included comments by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and representatives of civil and women’s rights organizations and groups that support families affected by maternal mortality and maternal discrimination.
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About the Black Women’s Health Imperative
The Black Women’s Health Imperative identifies the most pressing health issues that affect the nation’s 21 million Black women and girls and invest in the best of the best strategies, partners, and organizations that share our goal: ensuring Black women live longer, healthier, more prosperous lives.
MEDIA CONTACT: Antonice Jackson, 202-370-3630 (office); 734-812-4423 (cell)