On February 8, Congress took a big step forward to improve Black maternal health by introducing legislation that would improve the health of mothers and their babies. The Black Maternal Health Act of 2021, led by Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Senator Cory Booker (NJ), comprises 12 pieces of legislation that address different aspects of the disparities that Black mothers face. In addition, the Momnibus includes a stand-alone bill, led by Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Senator Ed Markey (MA), focused on mitigating the impacts from climate change on moms and babies. Their Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act invests in community-based programs and calls for the identification of climate risk zones for pregnant and postpartum people.
Watch this bilingual conversation between Moms Clean Air Force Legislative Manager Trisha Dello Iacono and Iowa field organizer Karin Stein about this important legislation.