Black History Month allows us to reflect on the rich cultural history and contributions Black people have made and continue to make in our community. However, as it comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the complicated history of our Black maternal healthcare in this country and the ways we can support improved outcomes.
I first became aware of the Black maternal health crisis in 2020 while creating a birthing plan as an exercise in one of my public health courses.
I was shocked to learn that Black women giving birth are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white women. And that Black women are more likely to suffer from maternal sepsis, cardiac-related incidents, and many other preventable issues.
In 2024, it is still frustrating to learn that Black birthing people still suffer the worst outcomes in maternal health morbidity and mortality.
As a young health advocate, I want to make a difference in addressing these problems, however, I understand and recognize that systemic change requires a multifaceted approach that involves collaboration across different sectors of society, including action from both federal and state lawmakers.
However, there is one bill perfectly crafted to create change. This bill is called the Black Maternal Health Momnibus.
Why the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act?
The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act is a labor of love. It includes several bills, with each bill written by people with lived experience and expertise to address the many ways Black birthing people experience inequities in their maternity care. Community leaders, doulas, midwives, grassroots, national organizations, and doctors each played a pivotal role in creating this masterpiece.
First introduced in 2020, it would invest in essential resources that directly affect outcomes and address the social drivers of Black Maternal health, such as housing, transportation, and nutrition. As of 2024, the act is now made up of 13 bills.
The biggest breakthrough for the Momnibus Act was the passing of the Protecting Moms Who Serve Act of 2021, which has already seen positive results for veteran moms. Passing the entire Momnibus Act will be a huge milestone for Black birthing people. This act will:
- Make investments in social determinants to save moms and end disparities in maternal health outcomes.
- Extend WIC in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods.
- Provide funding for community-based organizations that are leading the charge to support moms.
- Increase funding for programs to improve maternal health care for veterans.
- Grow and diversify maternity care providers and non-clinical health workers who offer cultural support during and after pregnancy.
- Improve data collection processes and quality measures to develop solutions to address the maternal health crisis.
- Support moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
- Provide funding for incarcerated pregnant and postpartum people.
- Make investments in telehealth – particularly in rural and underserved communities.
- Promote equity and quality maternal health outcomes for moms covered by Medicaid.
- Invest and advance federal health programs to address maternal health risks during public health emergencies.
- Support community-based initiatives, especially those of color, to reduce exposure to environmental threats for pregnant people and their babies.
- Support and awareness efforts about maternal vaccination.
These bills are still in limbo. In the absence of congressional action, the resources communities desperately need to mitigate the drivers that impact Black women/birthing people are unavailable.
Keeping these bills in Limbo are not helping Black Mothers!
As Black History Month comes to a close, I won’t dwell only on the disheartening Black Maternal health crisis but rather on how the Momnibus Act is a form of black joy.
Through writing this I hope to nurture a deeper understanding and empathy within and outside of our community to address these disparities. This serves as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of collective awareness and engagement. Behind the Black birthing statistics are real individuals with stories and challenges that demand attention and meaningful action.
