PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs reflect on 10 years of the Black maternal health movement
Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes September 15, 2026 | 3:09 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 15 – After attending the Black Maternal Health Conference 2026, the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chairs shared updates on maternal health care efforts and the PA MOMNIBUS 2.0 legislative package.
State Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; Gina Curry, D-Delaware; and La’Tasha Mayes, D-Allegheny, appeared on a panel at the conference on Friday, September 11. Led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this year’s theme was “Rooted in Justice & Joy: 10 Years of Building the Black Maternal Health Movement.”
The co-chairs shared the progress of PA MOMNIBUS 2.0, a comprehensive legislative package that addresses critical disparities in maternal health care and includes measures that would improve access to essential services and eliminate maternal health deserts. Curry’s bill package, Expanding Midwifery Access & Authority for Healthier Communities, was recently signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro.
“It was an honor to speak on the panel and celebrate 10 years of the Black Maternal Health Movement,” said Cephas. “I am so proud of the progress our movement has made and the solutions we’ve helped deliver to families across the Commonwealth.
“However, there is still more work to do. The fact remains that, in Pennsylvania, more than 90% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. And Black women continue to face a dramatically higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes. As we celebrate progress, we need to continue fighting to ensure more Black mothers survive pregnancy, receive the care they deserve and come home to their families. I remain focused on advancing solutions that make Pennsylvania a safer and healthier place for mothers, babies and families, and on continuing the great relationships with advocates on the ground that have made this work so meaningful and impactful in Pennsylvania and beyond.”
“Last week’s conference highlighted years of advocacy, expertise and lived experience brought forth by people who are deeply connected to the fight against preventable pregnancy-related deaths, and I was proud to sit on this panel with my colleagues, Representatives Cephas and Mayes, to talk about what we’re doing to move the needle in Pennsylvania,” said Curry. “We are keenly aware that not all states have the political atmosphere to advance legislation like ours. But we hope that one day Pennsylvania will be looked to as an example of success for all mothers and babies.
“The PA Black Maternal Health Caucus will continue to advance legislation that improves outcomes for growing Pennsylvania families and to use our voices in venues like this conference to share our knowledge, lessons and experiences.”
“It was powerful to reflect on 10 years of advocacy to advance Black maternal health nationally and to showcase the groundbreaking work of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus,” said Mayes. “Our work is rooted in a clear vision: to end preventable maternal mortality and ensure every mother and birthing person has access to the resources they need to have a healthy and joyful pregnancy and birth journey.
“PA MOMNIBUS 2.0 builds on the progress we have made while tackling the gaps that still exist in our health care systems -- including maternal health deserts, midwifery modernization and breastfeeding access -- that still leave too many families without the care they need.
“We have proven that when we listen to communities and turn their experiences into policy, we can save lives. We will continue that work until every family in Pennsylvania has the opportunity to thrive.”
The PA Black Maternal Health Caucus was formed in 2023 by co-Chairs Cephas, Curry and Mayes. The caucus is focused on boldly addressing the disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in Pennsylvania through strategic, intersectional legislation and evidence-based policy solutions. Four MOMNIBUS bills have been signed into law since the initiative was launched in 2024.
More information about the caucus can be found at pahouse.com/bmh.