Recognizing Black Maternal Health Week in Santa Clara County, California

Floor Speech

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Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Black Maternal Health Week from April 11 to April 17 in Santa Clara County. This annual observance highlights the urgent need to address disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women, ensuring that all mothers receive equitable, respectful, and high-quality healthcare.

The United States continues to face a maternal health crisis, with Black women experiencing significantly higher rates of pregnancy- related complications and maternal mortality compared to their white counterparts. These tragic and preventable outcomes stem from systemic inequities, implicit bias in healthcare, and social determinants that disproportionately impact Black mothers.

Santa Clara County has taken meaningful steps to acknowledge and address these disparities and commit to initiatives that improve maternal health access, education, and outcomes. Community-based organizations, healthcare advocates, and local leaders are working tirelessly to ensure that Black mothers receive the culturally competent care and support they deserve.

I commend the leadership in Santa Clara County for prioritizing this critical issue and uplifting Black maternal health as a matter of public health and racial justice. However, we must do more at the federal level to address these inequities. I call upon my colleagues in Congress to support legislation such as the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which aims to expand access to healthcare, invest in community-driven solutions, and promote policies that will save lives.

Black Maternal Health Week is not just a time for awareness but a call to action. We must listen to the voices of Black mothers, amplify their experiences, and enact meaningful change to ensure that maternal health equity becomes a reality.

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