In 2020, Alma Adams Advanced the Cause of Black Maternal Health

Press Release

Since co-founding the Black Maternal Health Caucus in 2019, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) has been at the forefront of the fight for equitable health care for Black birthing persons. The year 2020 saw historic advances in public awareness and policy proposals, including the introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act with Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14).

"As I've said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the disproportionate rate of mortality and morbidity among Black women is a crisis within a crisis," said Congresswoman Adams. "Tens of thousands of pregnant people have contracted COVID-19, the vast majority being Black and Brown birthing persons. As the pandemic rages on, the quality of maternal care has decreased as it has become harder to receive care. That's why I am especially proud of the work we've done this year to bring attention to the issue of Black maternal health. In the 117th Congress, I'll continue to work with Vice President-elect Harris and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood to ensure all women have access to high quality maternity care, no matter where they live, how much they earn, or the color of their skin. Black mamas can't afford to wait."

The overall maternal mortality rate in the United States rose sharply over the past three decades, and Black women are more than three times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. Furthermore, Black and Hispanic moms have been more likely to become infected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adams' advocacy over the past year included the introduction of the historic Momnibus legislation; interviews, editorials, TV and radio appearances; and a Women's Symposium focused on Black Maternal Health during COVID-19.

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