Statement from Congressman Dan Goldman on Black Maternal Health Week

Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today issued the following statement to mark the first day of Black Maternal Health Week.

“Today, and throughout Black Maternal Health Week, we must recognize the immense racial disparities that Black mothers face in our health care system.

“The state of Black maternal health care is at a crisis point. Systemic inequities create barriers to black women seeking care, and the care they do receive is too often inadequate.

“Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than white women, with the rates of pregnancy-related deaths comparable to that in some developing countries. Black women also have higher rates of preterm births, low birth weights, or births for which they received late or no prenatal care.  

“Black women are also on the frontlines of the Republicans latest attempts to eliminate abortion access nationwide. While Black women face higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths, they are also less likely to have access to abortion care. Black women often face greater barriers when attempting access reproductive health care - often facing insurmountable costs and lack of ability to travel long distances to receive care.

“This week, I became an original cosponsor of the Black Maternal Health Week 2023 Resolution to raise awareness of the Black maternal health crisis.

“I am committed to continuing to uplift and stand by Black women in the fight for equal healthcare access and treatment to close the racial disparities in Black maternal health.”

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