“Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020” is led by Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Alma Adams (NC-12).
A package of nine individual bills has just been introduced that aim to improve health for black mothers in the United States. “Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020”1 is led by Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Alma Adams (NC-12).
All three are members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, founded in 2019 to improve black maternal health outcomes.
Statistics show that black women are nearly four times more likely than white women and more than twice as likely as women of other races to die from preventable, pregnancy-related complications. They also experience higher rates of maternal complications and infant mortality.
The Act is designed to fill gaps in existing legislation to comprehensively address every dimension of the black maternal health crisis in the nation. If passed, the bills included in it will result in the following:
Among the over 100 organizations endorsing the Act are the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American College of Nurse-Midwives, and Planned Parenthood.
Said Senator Harris in a press release about the legislative package, “Black women across the country are dying from pregnancy and childbirth complications at astounding rates and the disparity transcends income and education levels. It is critical that the federal government work with states, local health providers, and mothers and their families to address the crisis and save lives.”
1. Black Maternal Health Momnibus. Black Maternal Health Caucas. https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/Momnibus. Published March 18, 2020.
Severe maternal morbidity linked to mental health risks post-delivery
April 26th 2024A recent study revealed that severe maternal morbidity during pregnancy increases the likelihood of mental health hospitalizations or emergency department visits up to 13 years post-delivery, emphasizing the need for mental health screening.
Read More
FDA approves updated label for Biktarvy against HIV-1
April 26th 2024Gilead Sciences has announced FDA approval of an updated Biktarvy label, showcasing safety and efficacy data from a phase 1b trial, positioning it as a pivotal treatment option for pregnant individuals with HIV-1 and suppressed viral load.
Read More
No link found between antenatal corticosteroids and child neurodevelopment
April 25th 2024A recent study found no link between antenatal corticosteroid administration and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children aged 6 years or older, offering reassurance for late preterm delivery practices.
Read More