Maternal Health Crisis Addressed by Catholic Bishops in Urgent Letter to Congress

NEW YORK – Amid a concerning increase in maternal mortality rates in the United States, the United States Conference of Catholics Bishops committee chairmen have penned a letter to Congress urging action to address the nation’s maternal health crisis. The chairmen emphasized the importance of prioritizing policies that promote the health, safety, and well-being of women, children, and families. Specifically, they called for policies that uphold the sanctity of life, respect conscience rights, ensure affordability, …

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Maternal Health Equity: Empowering Black Women’s Abortion Access

Washington, D.C. – Black maternal health care and abortion access intersect in a crucial way, with advocates pointing out the disproportionate impact these issues have on Black women. According to experts, systemic racism and bias in the healthcare system contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes among Black women, including higher rates of maternal mortality. On top of this, restrictions on abortion access can further exacerbate these disparities, as Black women are more likely to …

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Maternal Health Equity Legislation to Address Disparities in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Legislation is in the works that could lead Michigan to join 41 other states in licensing and reimbursing birth centers for their services. The focus of these bills is on addressing issues such as maternal and infant mortality, as well as improving access to medical care in light of increasing disparities in maternal health. With plans to open a Black-led birth center later this year, BirthDetroit, a Detroit organization, is at the …

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Maternal Mortality Crisis: Virginia Faces Soaring Rates and Racial Disparities in Healthcare

Richmond, Virginia – Virginia has seen a concerning increase in maternal mortality rates from 2020 to 2021, with the overall rate rising from 18 to 47.1 deaths per 100,000 live births. The disparity is even more pronounced for Black women, whose rates have doubled to 96.7 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to their white counterparts. This rise underscores the urgent need to address systemic issues affecting maternal health outcomes in the state. Unconscious bias …

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