In Raleigh, N.C., a group of Democratic Senator Natalie Murdock, Representative Zack Hawkins, and advocates gathered to discuss the issue of black maternal health in the state. They presented Senate Bill 838, known as MOMnibus 2.5, which aims to improve maternal health care outcomes by providing funding for training programs for healthcare providers, perinatal education grants, and community health worker training.
According to state leaders, more than 700 women die each year in North Carolina from childbirth complications, with another 50,000 experiencing severe issues. Black women have the highest mortality rate from childbirth complications. Senator Murdock highlighted that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women and that in North Carolina, Black women are 1.8 times more likely to die from childbirth two-thirds of which are preventable.
Advocates pointed out that part of the problem lies in miscoding pregnancy rates among Black women. Charity Watkins shared her traumatic experience of complications during childbirth despite following all recommendations and communicating with her doctor. Advocates emphasized the urgent need to address these disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Senator Murdock stressed that Black mothers and babies deserve better and that the $5 million investment in MOMnibus 2.5 is just a starting point. March of Dimes rated North Carolina with a D+ for preterm birth rates in their 2023 report card highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve maternal health outcomes. Leaders vowed to do more to save lives and improve black maternal health in the state.
