North Charlotte Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 15, 2023, in honor of Mother’s Day, Congresswomen Alma Adams (NC-12), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Momnibus Act, historic legislation to save moms’ lives and address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States. 

“Maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the United States are unacceptable, and far higher than in other wealthy countries. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2023 addresses this urgent crisis that affects thousands of American parents every year,” said Congresswoman Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “As many as 80% of maternal deaths are preventable with proper care and treatment. The Momnibus makes over $1 billion in historic investments in the health and care of moms. It is nothing short of a game-changer for Black mothers as well as every parent bringing a child into the world. Now more than ever, it is critical we pass the Momnibus and make sure no child grows up without a parent. As a Black mother and grandmother, take it from me: Black mamas can't wait!”  

“The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of industrialized nations, and the rate is only rising. The data is even more concerning for Black moms,” said Senator Booker. “No one deserves to be left behind by the health care system or face inadequate care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This legislation is a critical step towards saving lives, ending disparities in health care and outcomes, and ensuring our health care system treats all moms with the care and dignity they deserve regardless of their race or circumstance. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would address the drivers of the maternal health crisis, invest in social determinants of health, and ensure comprehensive support for all people. It's time to prioritize the well-being of all, eliminate racial and ethnic disparities for Black and Brown moms, and create a brighter and healthier future for all families.”

“To save moms’ lives and end the maternal health crisis in our country, we need urgent action,” said Underwood, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “We know what’s needed to end this crisis, and the tools to get it done are within reach. The Momnibus is the solution, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Representative Alma Adams and Senator Cory Booker to make the investments we need to solve our country’s maternal health crisis.” 

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, and it’s rapidly getting worse. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that maternal deaths in recent years have increased by a dramatic 89%. But there is hope: More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Comprehensive federal action is the solution we need to end this crisis and save moms’ lives. 

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act makes critical investments to address social determinants of health, provide funding for community-based organizations, grow and diversify the perinatal health workforce, expand access to maternal mental health care, address the effects of climate change on maternal and infant health, and improve data collection processes.  

A one-page summary of the Momnibus, including a list of the 181 original House cosponsors, can be found here, and additional information about the individual bills in the Momnibus can be found on the Black Maternal Health Caucus website. 

A list of more than 200 organizations endorsing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act can be found here. 

Quotes in support of the Momnibus can be found here. 

The Momnibus is made up of thirteen bills sponsored by Black Maternal Health Caucus Members. The legislation will: 

1. Make critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition. 
2. Extend WIC eligibility in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods. 
3. Provide funding to community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity. 
4. Increase funding for programs to improve maternal health care for veterans. 
5. Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives maternal health care and support from people they trust. 
6. Improve data collection processes and quality measures to better understand the causes of the maternal health crisis in the United States and inform solutions to address it. 
7. Support moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders. 
8. Improve maternal health care and support for incarcerated moms. 
9. Invest in digital tools to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. 
10. Promote innovative payment models to incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support during and after pregnancy. 
11. Invest in federal programs to address maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.  
12. Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks for moms and babies. 
13. Promote maternal vaccinations to protect the health of moms and babies. 

Background

Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. is serving her fifth full term in Congress. She represents the 12th District of North Carolina, which includes parts of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In 2018, she introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution with then-Senator Kamala Harris. In 2019, she co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). In March 2020, Adams, along with Harris and Underwood, introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act for the first time, and in February 2021 reintroduced an expanded version of the package with Senator Cory Booker. Adams is a mother of two and a grandmother of four.

 Issues: Black Maternal Health Congressional Issues Health Care Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Women

Original source can be found here.