This week marks the first time Virginia will observe Black Maternal Health Week. As Republicans rip away reproductive rights and ban abortions in states that have the worst maternal and child health outcomes for Black people, Virginia’s recognition of this week could not come at a more dire time.

“Black women in Virginia are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. It’s high time that Virginia sheds light on the significant disparities for Black women in surviving childbirth and pregnancy,” said DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker. “This is a devastating crisis that President Biden and Vice President Harris and our Democrats in Virginia and Washington are addressing, but for them to continue their progress, we cannot let MAGA Republicans rip away reproductive care that would disproportionately harm Black women. This week reminds us that the stakes are the highest they will ever be this November.”

Virginia Democrats are addressing Black maternal health care head on:

- U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan introduced the Child Care Assistance for Maternal Health Act in Congress, which would increase short-term child care access during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. The legislation establishes a grant program that prioritizes vulnerable populations in areas with higher rates of maternal mortality. McClellan is also a cosponsor of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and the Protect Black Women and Girls Act. 

- State Sen. Mamie Locke and Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling authored legislation–signed into law this month–that requires health insurers to cover at least eight visits with doulas during pregnancy or following childbirth with support during labor and delivery.

- U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine introduced the historic Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a bill that would address America’s maternal health crisis. It includes Kaine’s Maternal Vaccinations Act to increase maternal rates for common illnesses and address vaccination rate disparities.

“As a Black mom who nearly died in childbirth, I’m encouraged to see President Biden and Vice President Harris leading on efforts to support Black maternal health and address disparities in maternal health outcomes,” said Rep. Jennifer McClellan. “In Congress, I’ve been proud to be a part of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and to introduce legislation to improve maternal health resources in communities of color. In Virginia and in Congress, we’ve seen MAGA Republicans attack attempts to address racial disparities in maternal mortality. We must re-elect President Biden and Vice President Harris to ensure that we have a partner in the White House to continue to make progress on Black maternal health.”

A second Trump presidency could be devastating for Black maternal health:

- If reelected, Trump would ban abortion nationwide–with or without Congress’ help

- Trump wants to slash funding for Medicare and he sabotaged Medicaid expansion, which is significantly tied to a decrease in Black maternal mortality. Now he’s doubling down on his attacks, pledging to gut the program if reelected.

- In the first two years of Trump’s presidency, 300,000 Black Americans lost health insurance. He was one vote away from repealing the Affordable Care Act and promises to “terminate” the ACA if reelected, which would rip insurance coverage from over 3 million Black Americans.

Meanwhile, President Biden and Vice President Harris are answering the Black maternal health care crisis:

- President Biden and Vice President Harris are the only choice in this election who will fight to give women more freedoms – not fewer.

- President Biden bolstered the ACA, which requires insurers to cover pregnancy care, childbirth, and newborn care.

- Since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, funding to reduce maternal mortality increased by $190 million.

- In 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid service launched the “Birthing-Friendly” tool, a new designation for hospitals that participate in prenatal improvement programs aimed at countering the 80% of preventable pregnancy related deaths, which are especially high among Black Americans.

- In 2022, the Biden-Harris administration launched a maternal health hotline, a new service for expecting and new mothers experiencing mental health struggles. That same year the White House also hosted the first-ever cabinet meeting on maternal health and maternal health day of action.