Montgomery News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 15, 2023, Congressman Trone, member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, co-sponsored the reintroduction of the Momnibus Act, historic legislation to save moms’ lives and address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States. The legislation is led by Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). Last week, Congressman Trone attended Minority Whip Katherine Clark’s “Moms Against MAGA Extremism” press conference in support of abortion access, gun safety, and vital services such as WIC for low-income mothers.

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, and it’s rapidly getting worse. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that maternal deaths in recent years have increased by a dramatic 89%. Further, Black women during pregnancy face a maternal mortality rate three times that of their white counterparts due to historic racial inequities in maternal health care experiences. But there is hope: More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Comprehensive federal action is the solution we need to end this crisis and save moms’ lives.

“We cannot and will not tolerate these horrifying statistics as an accepted truth. The responsibility falls on us – our nation’s leaders – to take action and help save lives,” said Congressman Trone, member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “Working together in Congress, we will continue to right the historic wrongs of health care inequities in communities of color. I’m in this fight alongside my colleagues, Congresswomen Underwood and Adams and Senator Booker, to ensure every American has access to affordable, high-quality health care – no matter what.”

“To save moms’ lives and end the maternal health crisis in our country, we need urgent action,” said Representative Underwood. “We know what’s needed to end this crisis, and the tools to get it done are within reach. The Momnibus is the solution, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Representative Alma Adams and Senator Cory Booker to make the investments we need to solve our country’s maternal health crisis.” 

“Maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the United States are unacceptable, and far higher than in other wealthy countries. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2023 addresses this urgent crisis that affects thousands of American parents every year,” said Representative Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “As many as 80% of maternal deaths are preventable with proper care and treatment. The Momnibus makes over $1 billion in historic investments in the health and care of moms. It is nothing short of a game-changer for Black mothers as well as every parent bringing a child into the world. Now more than ever, it is critical we pass the Momnibus and make sure no child grows up without a parent. As a Black mother and grandmother, take it from me: Black mamas can’t wait!” 

“The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of industrialized nations, and the rate is only rising. The data is even more concerning for Black moms,” said Senator Booker. “No one deserves to be left behind by the health care system or face inadequate care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This legislation is a critical step towards saving lives, ending disparities in health care and outcomes, and ensuring our health care system treats all moms with the care and dignity they deserve regardless of their race or circumstance. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would address the drivers of the maternal health crisis, invest in social determinants of health, and ensure comprehensive support for all people. It’s time to prioritize the well-being of all, eliminate racial and ethnic disparities for Black and Brown moms, and create a brighter and healthier future for all families.” 

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act makes critical investments to address social determinants of health, provide funding for community-based organizations, grow and diversify the perinatal health workforce, expand access to maternal mental health care, address the effects of climate change on maternal and infant health, and improve data collection processes.   

A one-page summary of the Momnibus, including a list of the 181 original House cosponsors, can be found here, and additional information about the individual bills in the Momnibus can be found on the Black Maternal Health Caucus website.

A list of more than 200 organizations endorsing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act can be found here. 

Quotes in support of the Momnibus can be found here. 

The Momnibus is made up of thirteen bills sponsored by Black Maternal Health Caucus Members. The legislation will: 

1. Make critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition. 
2. Extend WIC eligibility in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods. 
3. Provide funding to community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity.
4. Increase funding for programs to improve maternal health care for veterans. 
5. Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives maternal health care and support from people they trust. 
6. Improve data collection processes and quality measures to better understand the causes of the maternal health crisis in the United States and inform solutions to address it. 
7. Support moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders. 
8. Improve maternal health care and support for incarcerated moms. 
9. Invest in digital tools to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. 
10. Promote innovative payment models to incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support during and after pregnancy. 
11. Invest in federal programs to address maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.  
12. Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks for moms and babies. 
13. Promote maternal vaccinations to protect the health of moms and babies. 

Congressman David Trone was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve the 6th District of Maryland, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Trone serves on the Appropriations, Budget, and Joint Economic Committees in the 118th Congress. In Congress, Trone is fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders, including the mental health and addiction crises, criminal justice reform, and funding for medical research.

Follow Congressman Trone at @RepDavidTrone for updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Original source can be found here.