Rep. Robin Kelly Acknowledges Black Maternal Health Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) issued the following statement to mark the beginning of Black Maternal Health Week: “Protecting the health of Black women and girls should be beyond negotiation and policy dealing. Disparities in maternal death rates and maternal morbidity remain dire for Black mothers when compared to their white counterparts. Even if a Black woman is well-off, well-educated, and well-connected, she is still more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than a white woman. This is unacceptable. “This isn't just a matter of statistics - it's personal. We all deserve to lead full and healthy lives, regardless of who we are, where we live, or what we look like. “That's why I'm so passionate about addressing these issues and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to improve outcomes for Black mothers. We need better policies to find the root causes of these inequities and create meaningful solutions. “I am proud to champion so many policies targeted at improving outcomes and reducing disparities. A centerpiece of my MOMMA’s Act, the extension of Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to one year, was passed last year. Thirty states and D.C. have already implemented this extension and many more are on the path to doing so. “I look forward to passing even more comprehensive legislation to support Black mothers this Congress. Black mothers and babies can’t wait, we need to act now.” Congresswoman Robin Kelly is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and a member of the Health Subcommittee. Rep. Kelly is also the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus, and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. ### |