ACNM has committed to addressing racism and racial inequities throughout the healthcare continuum, including within the midwifery profession. As such, ACNM is a proud to join over 200 stakeholder organizations in endorsing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus of 2023, (H.R. 3305/S. 1606), a historic package of much-needed legislative reforms.
Background:
On May 15, 2023, Congress reintroduced a sweeping package of maternal health-related bills that seek to address racism and racial inequities disproportionately impacting pregnant and birthing people in the United States. Championed by House Black Maternal Health Caucus co-founders, Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Alma Adams (D-NC), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), the Black Maternal Health Act of 2023 seeks to address many of the underlying causes of a broken maternal health care system that disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities. The “Momnibus” centers Black and Brown pregnant and birthing people by taking steps to address some of the root causes that have led to the staggering and abysmal maternal health statistics impacting these communities.
The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes 13 individual bills that will:
- Make critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition.
- Extend WIC eligibility in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods.
- Provide funding to community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity.
- Increase funding for programs to improve maternal health care for veterans.
- Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives maternal health care and support from people they trust.
- 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.
- Support moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
- Improve maternal health care and support for incarcerated moms.
- Invest in digital tools to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas.
- Promote innovative payment models to incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support during and after pregnancy.
- Invest in federal programs to address maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.
- Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks for moms and babies.
- Promote maternal vaccinations to protect the health of moms and babies.
Please join ACNM in issuing a letter of support and encourage cosponsorship of the Momnibus. We have included a template that can be edited to reflect your thoughts and opinions in support of this legislation.