April 11th 2024.
In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, which takes place from April 11th to 17th, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation during the 2024 week. The administration has been actively working to address the alarming crisis of maternal health in the nation, with a specific focus on the disproportionate impact it has on Black mothers.
According to The White House, President Biden has been committed to tackling this issue since the beginning of his term. The crisis is centered around the shockingly high rates of pregnancy-related deaths among American women, surpassing those of any other developed country. In fact, Biden stated that Black women face even greater risk, with a three times higher likelihood of dying from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women. He attributed this disparity to a long history of systemic racism and bias, as well as a lack of access to safe housing, affordable transportation, and healthy food.
To combat this crisis, Biden highlighted the actions his administration has taken, such as the American Rescue Plan. This plan has enabled states to provide a full year of postpartum coverage to Medicaid recipients, which is an increase from the previous limit of 60 days. Currently, 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands offer this extended care.
In addition, the administration has made Affordable Care Act coverage more accessible, saving families an average of $800 per year on health insurance premiums. They have also released the Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, which outlines federal actions to improve maternal health and combat maternal mortality. As part of these efforts, the administration has created a new "Birthing-Friendly" hospital designation, helping expecting mothers find the support they need. This is important as BLACK ENTERPRISE noted that in 2023, some Black women had started to move away from the traditional hospital model due to feeling rushed, routine, and impersonal during their hospital and medical office visits. In fact, there has been a 30% increase in the number of Black women opting for home births or giving birth in a birth center between 2019 and 2020.
Recognizing the prevalence of maternal mental health conditions, Biden also discussed the administration's launch of the Maternal Mental Health Hotline. This confidential, 24/7 resource connects women with professional counselors, as the president believes that mental healthcare is just as important as physical healthcare. He stated that being able to access support in times of need can literally save lives.
To further support maternal mental health screening and substance use disorder treatment, the administration has partnered with community organizations. They are also working to expand and diversify the maternal health workforce. Additionally, Biden has signed legislation that mandates reasonable workplace accommodations for pregnant and nursing mothers, respecting their rights and job security.
The president also acknowledged Vice President Kamala Harris' dedication to improving maternal health outcomes. Harris has been a vocal advocate for this issue, elevating it and bringing together experts and activists. In fact, in 2021, she hosted the inaugural federal Maternal Health Day of Action at the White House, marking the first time that The White House officially recognized Black Maternal Health Week.
Finally, Biden acknowledged the long-standing inequities faced by Black communities and expressed his commitment to addressing them. This includes ending discrimination in housing, improving public transit accessibility, expanding access to healthy and affordable food, and addressing environmental injustices that impact the health and wellness of Black mothers.
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