ADVISORY: Adams, Booker, Underwood to Introduce Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to Address America’s Maternal Health Crisis
The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes a series of 12 bills to comprehensively improve maternal health outcomes, close racial and ethnic disparities, and address the effects of COVID-19 on maternal health
WASHINGTON— On Monday, February 8 at 10:30 AM ET, Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will host a virtual press conference to introduce the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021.
When: Monday, February 8, 202, 10:30 a.m. ET
Location: Virtually via Zoom
Speakers: Representative Alma Adams (NC-12), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14)
"As I've said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dual threats of the virus and the disproportionate rate of mortality and morbidity among Black women are a crisis within a crisis," said Congresswoman Adams. "Tens of thousands of pregnant people have contracted COVID-19, the vast majority being Black and Brown mothers. As the pandemic rages on, access to quality maternal care has decreased as the barriers to receiving care have increased."
"That's why, in the 117th Congress, I'm reintroducing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and the Kira Johnson Act to address these crises as soon as possible. The Momnibus provides a comprehensive set of policy solutions and a much-needed roadmap for addressing maternal health disparities. I'll also continue to work with Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Cory Booker, and my Caucus co-Chair Representative Lauren Underwood to ensure all moms have access to high quality maternity care, no matter where they live, how much they earn, or the color of their skin. Black mamas can't afford to wait."
The historic legislative package builds on existing maternal health legislation to fill gaps through twelve bills to comprehensively address the Black maternal health crisis. The Momnibus, originally introduced in March 2020, includes three new bills to address the nation's maternal mortality crisis, particularly for Black women and other women of color, as well as, the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act – addressing the challenges facing pregnant women during COVID-19. Following remarks, members will take questions from press conference participants.
The overall maternal mortality rate in the United States rose sharply over the past three decades, and Black women are more than three times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. Furthermore, Black and Hispanic moms have been more likely to become infected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adams' advocacy over the past two years included the introduction of the historic Momnibus legislation; interviews, editorials, TV and radio appearances; and a Women's Symposium focused on Black Maternal Health during COVID-19.
Adams co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus in 2019 with Rep. Lauren Underwood and co-led the introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in 2020. Over 2,000 people, including Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris and Rep. Underwood, participated in her Women's Symposium on Black Maternal Health During COVID-19 (video).
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