Achieving Health Equity for Black Women and Girls

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on the heels of Black History Month, at the beginning of Women's History Month, and 1 year into a pandemic, I rise today to bring attention to an urgent task: achieving health equity for Black women and girls.

Over the past year, we have watched firsthand as centuries-long systemic health and economic disparities have translated into higher rates of coronavirus and fewer resources to fight it in Black communities.

COVID-19 did not create these disparities. It has just made them plain for all to see.

Inequality comes in many forms, but health inequalities are among the most glaring. As it stands, Black women's life expectancy is nearly 3 years less than our White counterparts.

Recently, the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls unveiled our first-ever report on this pressing issue and others facing Black women and girls in our country. More importantly, we have laid out solutions to these problems.

It is incumbent upon Congress to take on these initiatives because we cannot be satisfied until every American, including Black women and girls, can lead a long and healthy life.

Mr. Speaker, to help to accomplish these things, we must pass the American Rescue Plan.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source