The United States has a maternal health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. in 2021 was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is much higher than any other high-income country, with France having the next greatest proportion of maternal deaths, at 8.7 per 100,000 live births.  

It is shameful that 1,205 women died in the United States in 2021 as a result of pregnancy or delivery complications, a 40 percent increase from 2020. That same year, the maternal death ratio for Black women (69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births) was more than 2 ½ times the ratio for white women (26.6 deaths per 100,00 live births) and for Hispanic women (28.0). This trend must be addressed and reversed. 

Black Maternal Health Momnibus 

The Black Momnibus Act is a package of 13 bills that, among other provisions, make critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, such as housing, transportation, and nutrition; extend the Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods; and provide funding to community-based organizations working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity. Surely Congress can come together to support legislation to close the shameful maternal health gap, especially for Black women.

The School Sisters of Notre Dame have a deep commitment to standing up for human dignity, racial justice, and the protection of the vulnerable.  Please take time today to contact Congress and urge support for this important package of legislation that supports maternal and child health.