Rep. Robin Kelly Speaks at First Ever White House Maternal Health Day of Action, Invites Cook County Resident to Participate

Statement

Yesterday, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) attended Vice President Harris' first-ever Maternal Health Day of Action at the White House. Congresswoman Kelly invited Cook County resident Anntoinette "Toni" Brown to participate and speak about her tragic experience with the maternal mortality crisis. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Congresswoman Alma Adams, (D-NC), Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Chiquita Brooks LaSure, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also participated in the event.

"It was an honor to attend Vice President Harris' Maternal Health Day of Action yesterday at the White House. I've been working on policies to increase positive maternal health outcomes since first introducing the MOMMAs Act in the 114th Congress. I'm thrilled that provisions of my MOMMAs Act have been included in the Build Back Better Act, and that soon women in every single state will have access to 12 months of postpartum coverage through Medicaid," said Congresswoman Kelly.

"Health equity is one of the most extreme examples of the structural racism that exists in this country. Through the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis, it is plain to see that Black women and women of color in this country do not have the same access to quality, affordable healthcare. The investments provided in the Build Back Better Act will improve health equity for Black women and ensure that the birthing process is a celebratory time for mommas - not a tragedy," continued Congresswoman Kelly.

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