CONTACT: Karen Ottoni, karen@communicationsshop.us, (202) 961-3453
Visuals for the Story:
Photos capturing key moments from the event are available [here], and a full recording of the forum can be viewed [here].
For more information about the forum, including the complete speaker list and details on the discussions, please visit [here].
Washington, D.C. (May 8, 2025) – Women of color in the U.S. face significantly greater risks during pregnancy than their white counterparts. Black women, in particular, are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Recent data indicate that Black maternal mortality has doubled in the past two decades. This heightened risk is further intensified by environmental threats such as air pollution and extreme heat, which are being worsened by human-induced global warming. These conditions jeopardize the health of families of color, contributing to higher rates of preterm births, low birth weights, and long-term chronic illnesses in children.
Moms Clean Air Force, a national coalition representing over 1.5 million moms, dads, and caregivers advocating for clean air and a healthier future for children, works to tackle these environmental and reproductive health inequities. Together with EcoMadres and The 19th, Moms Clean Air Force hosted a critical forum on global warming and maternal health disparities titled Maternal & Child Health in a Dangerous Climate. The event brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, environmental advocates, and media to shed light on how global warming intensifies health disparities among people of color.
Congresswoman Underwood was unable to attend in person due to her responsibilities leading an Appropriations hearing at the Capitol, but shared the following message:
“While I regret not being able to join you in person today, I’m deeply grateful to Moms Clean Air Force for their unwavering leadership in protecting children and families from the health threats of climate change. As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I remain committed to advancing the Momnibus Act, especially provisions like the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act, to ensure every mom and baby has a healthy start. To save moms’ lives, we must pass the Momnibus.” – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.
The forum highlighted alarming environmental risks, including air pollution, extreme heat, and exposure to toxic chemicals in plastics, that are disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities. Experts described these hazards as “threat multipliers,” worsening maternal and infant health outcomes, and deepening existing inequality.
Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome, a prominent advocate for environmental justice and a former official in the Biden administration, stated: “As a mom, your wisdom and your grit is what is needed in this moment more than ever. We cannot let fear quench our passion. Moms, we must continue to be a force to be reckoned with. We face our fears; we organize the chaos to drive innovation; we realize our power; we continue to cry out loud; and we exert aggressiveness at all levels. Let’s continue to be a force that will center people, health, and environmental justice in all of our policy solutions, and activate the work at the local and state level like never before!”
Dr. White-Newsome also drew on her experience at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, describing what can be possible when environmental policies align with the needs of vulnerable communities–and what can happen when they don’t. She spoke openly about the rollback of environmental protections, the diminishment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental Justice (EJ) initiatives, and the disproportionate burden placed on Black communities during climate-driven disasters, such as wildfires, extreme heat, and air pollution.
Almeta E. Cooper, Moms Clean Air Force’s National Manager for Health Justice, added: “Extreme heat and worsening air pollution, both driven by the climate crisis, are impacting Black and Brown communities the hardest. These communities already face greater health risks due to historical injustices and their proximity to pollution. Now, global warming is compounding that burden. We must urgently unite to protect those most vulnerable.”
Panelists emphasized the urgent need for systemic policy reforms and community-led solutions. Dr. Julie A. González, American University, Center for Environment, Community, and Equity, stressed: “Air pollution and extreme heat are not just environmental problems; they are serious threats to maternal and child health. In communities of color, especially Latino and Black communities, these exposures drive higher rates of complications and illness. Maternal health disparities are not inevitable. My research finds that exposure to air pollution and extreme heat is a key driver, but we can reduce these risks with stronger air quality standards and policies that prioritize public health.”
Building on these insights, the event aims to catalyze policy change and community action to address and reduce climate-related health risks. The goal is to promote healthier outcomes for families and children, especially within high risk populations most affected by environmental threats and susceptibility. Experts and advocates are united in emphasizing that combating global warming is not only an environmental challenge but a critical public health priority that requires urgent, sustained attention.
Visuals for the Story:
Photos capturing key moments from the event are available [here], and a full recording of the forum can be viewed [here].
For more information about the forum, including the complete speaker list and details on the discussions, please visit [here].