More women die from complications giving birth in the U.S. than in any other developed country. Black mothers are 3 to 4 times more likely to die than white mothers – a rate not tied to income level or education, but race alone. That’s why I’m introducing the MOMS Act. Thread:
While other developed nations’ maternal mortality rates drastically decline, ours is on the rise. In fact, we are 1 of just 8 countries in the entire world with increasing rates of maternal mortality. Our nation is in crisis.
Mothers are dying every day – and for each one who dies, another 70 nearly do. 60% of pregnancy-related deaths are from preventable complications like hemorrhage, preeclampsia and sepsis. We're failing women and babies.
High standards of maternal care are lacking broadly – and are particularly missing in hospitals serving women of color. Black women in New York City are 12 times more likely than white women to lose their lives as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. We can’t accept this.
A country that values women would provide the best care BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER PREGNANCY. It would reject discrimination and bias in medical care. We must end this crisis by ensuring moms who put their lives and their babies’ lives in our care get the treatment they need.
We have to do better. That’s why I introduced the Modernizing Obstetric Medicine Standards Act – the MOMS Act – along with @CoryBooker and @KamalaHarris. This bill would provide states and hospitals with funding to implement best practices in maternal care.
Funding would be prioritized for hospitals serving low-income communities and rural populations, and would help the medical community better identify and respond to signs of pregnancy complications.
We can do #MoreForMOMS. We can value and protect the lives of women in this nation. And I hope you’ll stand with me today to make sure your voice is heard on this. Add your name to demand better care for moms: petitions.signforgood.com/moreformoms?re…
