State legislators are joining forces to address the Black maternal mortality and reproductive health crises in the United States. In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, taking place from April 11 to April 17, members of the Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (RFLC) will introduce and advocate for policies aimed at improving Black maternal health. These efforts come in direct response to actions by former President Donald Trump and his administration, which have threatened to undermine progress in reproductive healthcare and maternal outcomes for Black women.
Launched in 2018 by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), the RFLC is the only nationwide network of state legislators dedicated to advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice. Throughout Black Maternal Health Week, RFLC lawmakers, in partnership with the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, will spotlight critical policies, including expanding and protecting Medicaid, strengthening maternal mortality review boards, opposing anti-abortion legislation, and pushing for sustained investment in Black communities.
“Black women deserve to give birth without fear, to receive care without bias, and to live without the burden of systemic neglect,” said Rep. Felicia Robinson (FL-104) in a press release. “Prioritizing Black maternal health isn’t just necessary—it’s right. Policies should protect, uplift, and ensure that our voices and lives are valued in every health care space.”
The time for action is now.
Supportive policies for Black maternal and reproductive health are urgently needed. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications and face a higher risk of developing reproductive health issues like cervical cancer, according to the National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda.
While most private insurance providers offer coverage for reproductive health services and abortion care, Black women remain 55% more likely to be uninsured compared to white women—further deepening disparities in access and outcomes.
Recently, actions taken by President Trump and his administration have raised serious concerns about the future of reproductive rights for Black women. Earlier this month, several maternal and child health programs were either eliminated or significantly scaled back as part of a massive layoff initiative by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
According to The Guardian, Kennedy announced plans to cut 10,000 jobs as part of a department-wide restructuring. Combined with additional reductions made by Elon Musk’s unofficial “Department of Government Efficiency,” HHS stands to lose up to 20,000 employees—nearly a quarter of its workforce. These cuts threaten the very programs that are critical to advancing Black maternal and reproductive health.
The MOMNIBUS Bill is the answer.
Pennsylvania Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes—a vocal advocate of RFLC and the co-founder of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus—says she is “deeply committed” to advancing progress in Black maternal health. As a mother herself, Mayes understands the urgency of the crisis and is among several legislators championing the Pennsylvania MOMNIBUS bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation, comprised of eight bills, aimed at improving maternal health outcomes across the state.
In 2024, two provisions from the Momnibus bill were passed—HB 1608 which makes doula services eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, covering the period from pregnancy to one year postpartum. Additionally, Momnibus bill HB 2127 was signed into law, which mandates that pregnant and postpartum individuals receive screenings and resources for perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.
“As a state legislator and as a mother, I am deeply committed to reversing the disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in our Commonwealth,” ” said Mayes. “Our vision must include bold legislative action like our Pennsylvania MOMNIBUS to make the lives of Black moms and birthing people matter.”
The power of Mayes and lawmakers in Pennsylvania also inspired Delaware Rep, Rae C. Cousins, to bring change to her state.
“As a mother, it has been incredibly empowering to work alongside other women and mothers in Virginia’s legislature to address maternal health disparities. Thanks to this strong coalition, we successfully passed a MOMnibus package of bills and invested $6.7M to improve maternal health outcomes statewide,” she revealed in a press release sent to NewsOne.
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