Black Maternal Health Caucus Applauds Commitments from Private Industry to Combat Maternal Mortality and Morbidity

WASHINGTON – Today, the Black Maternal Health Caucus applauded the commitments made by public and private sector leaders to help improve maternal and infant health outcomes in the United States. Earlier this month, as part of the first-ever Maternal Health Day of Action, Vice President Kamala Harris issued a nationwide Call to Action to mobilize action from stakeholders across the country. So far, more than 20 groups have responded to the call and pledged commitments including investing millions in community-based organizations, expanding access to health care services, and implementing bias trainings to combat racism within the perinatal workforce. These contributions build on the important legislative progress led by the Black Maternal Health Caucus to advance the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in Congress.

"To end our nation's maternal health crisis, we need bold and comprehensive action – and the commitments made by public and private partners in response to Vice President Harris' Call to Action are a critical step forward," said Black Maternal Health Caucus leaders. "We are excited to see these strides from external groups toward eliminating preventable maternal mortality and supporting families across the country. We look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to build on these contributions by passing the Momnibus through the Build Back Better Act and continuing to advance evidence-based policy solutions to save moms' lives and advance birth equity.

These external contributions will work in tandem with the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to make the largest investment in American history to save moms' lives, end racial and ethnic maternal health disparities, and advance birth equity across the United States. Every eligible provision of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act is included in the Build Back Better Act that passed the House of Representatives and awaits consideration in the Senate. 

A list of external contributions in response to the Vice President's Call to Action can be found here.  

The Black Maternal Health Caucus (BMHC) was founded in April 2019 by Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14). The BMHC is organized around the goals of elevating the Black maternal health crisis within Congress and advancing policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and end disparities. The BMHC is one of the largest bipartisan caucuses in Congress with more than 115 members. More information can be found at @BMHCaucus on Twitter and bmhc-underwood.house.gov. 

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