On the blog:
Black Maternal Health Week
This month the pro-life spotlight was on Black Maternal Health week, spanning from April 11th to the 17th. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy related cause than white women. Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to highlight this issue and encourages communities to take steps to make sure black mothers are safe, supported, and empowered.
Arizona Abortion Ban
The most hot button topic of the month we’d say..
The Supreme Court in Arizona has reinstated a complete abortion ban. This law will prosecute any person who provides an abortion, including doctors and suppliers of the abortion pill. There are exceptions only if the mother’s life is in danger, but all other abortions, for whatever reason, are point-blank illegal. Legal consequences include up to 5 years in prison for those who perform or provide abortions. This law is one of the most comprehensive pro-life laws in the United States, joining 14 other states where the unborn child is protected at all stages of pregnancy.
New York AP: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
The New York Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, requires New York employers, as much as they are able, to support their pregnant workers by accommodating their condition in response to ‘known limitations’ from pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions. Charlotte A. Burrows, the EEOC Chair stated that “No one should have to risk their job for their health just because they are pregnant, recovering from childbirth, or dealing with a related medical condition.”. It seems a positive thing that the state is willing to support pregnant workers by encouraging their employers to make reasonable accommodations for them. Despite some being upset about this act as abortion is included under related medical conditions of pregnancy, this is a huge step for ensuring pregnant women are protected and cared for in New York.
Houston Introducing its own “Maternal Bill of Rights”
Harris County is initiating legal action in response to the high birth mortality rate in their county. They are currently promoting their Maternal Health and Childcare Program, which was originally launched in 2022. $1.4 million of federal funding went towards the program last year to support and provide resources to pregnant women in Harris. Barbie Robinson, Harris County Public Health’s Executive Director stated that “Health literacy is so important. And we know that’s not just the ability to read information, but it’s the ability to take in information and understand what it means for you, and how to advocate for yourself.”
Georgia to Strengthen Maternal Health for Veterans
The State of Georgia recently passed a pilot program to strengthen maternal health care for Georgia veterans. This program, DOULA for VA Act of 2023, would provide doulas for expecting veterans, and is one of many programs recently initiated to support veterans in their physical and mental health. There are about 93,000 female veterans in Georgia that this bill would benefit. Other recent material support bills for veterans in Georgia include the MOMS Who Serve Act of 2024.