Too many expecting mothers are dying across the state, and with a growing number of health care facilities in danger of closing, more regions across the state have limited or non-existent access to maternal health care facilities. The United States’ maternal mortality rate is several times higher than other high-income nations; in fact, it’s three times higher than France – the next high-income nation with an elevated maternal mortality rate. Black and brown women are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. It’s a trend that we are addressing from Harrisburg and in communities across the state.
As the Chair of the PA Legislative Black Caucus, and a proud supporter and ally of the leadership of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I spent this week in Pittsburgh for the first PA Black Maternal Health Summit. This powerful and impactful conference was both a call to action and a celebration of the successes achieved to date.
“Maternal health care deserts are creating a cascade of consequences for expecting mothers,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, who represents portions of Philadelphia and co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “Expecting mothers are being asked to drive up to 45 minutes to deliver babies, and – while in ideal situations that might not always pose an issue – deliveries cannot always be scheduled and do not always occur when expected.”
“We are driven in the Black Maternal Health Caucus by one statistic: 93% of maternal deaths are preventable,” said Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, who represents portions of Allegheny County and co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “The question is why we are not preventing them.”
“There are devastating consequences, including life-and-death situations, for people living in maternal health deserts across the state,” said Rep. Gina H. Curry, who represents portions of Delaware County and co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “Closing more hospitals and asking already overworked medical professionals to do more is not the answer. Babies arrive how and when they want to, which can create life-changing and life-threatening conditions for mothers – particularly those in maternal health deserts.”
Last month, the Black Maternal Health Caucus outlined its Momnibus package of legislation to address the many issues affecting Pennsylvania communities. The bills are aimed at decreasing maternal morbidity and mortality. In the past year and a half, we have secured significant state funding for maternal health initiatives, insurance coverage for doula services, and launching awareness campaigns for birthing persons and the dads that support them.
We had much to celebrate, but we also have much more work to do.