Latina Moms Call on Congress to Take Climate Action
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CAPITOL HILL – Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-44) joined Guadalupe Pacheco, National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF), Amy Tamayo, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas and Latina moms with Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres to mark the introduction of the Protecting Latina Moms from Extreme Heat and Air Pollution resolution. This measure calls on Congress to acknowledge the danger that air pollution and extreme heat pose to maternal and infant health, and implement measures that keep moms and babies healthy and safe.
“Air pollution and extreme heat are not just environmental issues—they are issues of equity and health that disproportionately harm Latina moms,” stated Rep. Barragan. “This resolution calls on Congress to invest in clean air initiatives, bilingual air quality alerts, improved maternal healthcare access, and much more. We must act now to ensure that no mother has to choose between her health and her job, or between staying cool and protecting her unborn child.”
“Many healthcare providers emphasize exercise and nutrition, but they often overlook the critical need to protect ourselves from extreme heat—especially during pregnancy. I had to undergo a c-section at 36 weeks, and while my son and I are healthy, I wish I had been warned about the dangers of high temperatures,” added Luz Drada, EcoMadres’s Program Coordinator. “This resolution ignites optimism for a healthier future for mothers and children everywhere. Together, we can fight for a better tomorrow.”
“The National Hispanic Health Foundation supports health equity for Latina women, especially during pregnancy and infancy,” explained Guadalupe Pacheco, Director of Programs at the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF).”Addressing the disproportionate risks of extreme heat and air pollution is crucial to safeguarding mothers’ and their children’s health and well-being.”
“We are very encouraged to see Congresswoman Barragán introduce this resolution calling on Congress to address health vulnerabilities in our communities,” said Amy Tamayo, National Policy and Advocacy Director at Alianza Nacional de Campesinas. “Farmworker women are not only subjected to extreme heat in the fields, but also sexual violence and harassment, and dangerous pesticide exposure that compromises their health and that of their children’s. Pregnant farmworkers growing food to nourish the nation should not have to fear for their children’s lives or their health. Farmworker women bear the heavy burden of risking their health daily and their well being must be a national priority.”
By introducing this resolution during Hispanic Heritage Month, Congresswoman Barragán, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres are underscoring the importance of climate action for the health of Latina mothers and their children.
Endorsing Organizations: Alianza Americas, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, American Medical Women’s Association, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), COPAL, Corazon Latino, CT Chapter of NAHN, Cultivando, Eagle Pass Border Coalition, GreenLatinos, Hispanic Access Foundation, Justice for Migrant Women, National Hispanic Health Foundation, National Hispanic Medical Association, Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights