Women’s Health
Kamala Harris Seeks Collective Effort to Address Maternal Healthcare
The Vice President is implementing a comprehensive approach to enhance maternal healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities. by Jane Thompson April 15, 2022
The statistics are alarming: The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, with Black women facing a rate that is three times higher, Indigenous women twice as high, and rural women experiencing 1.5 times higher mortality rates. Vice President Kamala Harris is determined to bring about change. Alongside the Biden Administration, she is addressing maternal health, especially focusing on the alarming rates of Black maternal mortality, through a comprehensive, action-oriented approach.
“This is not just about healthcare; it’s about recognizing mothers as whole individuals,” Harris stated during a virtual meeting with parenting journalists.
During Black Maternal Health Week, Harris convened with cabinet members and agency heads to outline her plan and seek their collaboration. This marks the first time such a diverse group of leaders has been invited to contribute to this critical issue, as part of a broader initiative launched by the administration. The strategy includes urging 11 states and the District of Columbia to extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers from 2 months to 12 months, with Michigan already on board for the change.
Additionally, the plan proposes designating birthing-friendly hospitals, allowing parents to identify the best care facilities and giving hospitals incentives to enhance their maternity services. Harris is also investing $4.5 million in community-based doulas, whom she believes play a crucial role in advocating for new mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. Harris’ advocacy began last year with the inaugural federal Maternal Health Day of Action, and she continues to pursue the issue from multiple angles.
Improving maternal health requires addressing various systemic challenges, as Harris highlighted the need for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address issues faced by pregnant individuals experiencing homelessness or insecure housing. She also pointed out the unique difficulties pregnant military personnel and veterans encounter, such as accessing care while stationed abroad or dealing with PTSD. “The VA has committed to investing in research to examine the impact of PTSD on pregnancy,” Harris reported.
Moreover, Harris aims to create a centralized federal website offering resources and information for optimal care. “We have countless websites, but should we really expect a pregnant woman living in public housing who relies on Medicaid to navigate all of them to understand her rights?” she queried.
At the heart of Harris’ initiative lies a deep concern for BIPOC maternal health. When discussing the issue of Black women often being overlooked in medical settings, she emphasized the need for culturally competent training and research. “The reality is that when a Black woman walks into a hospital, she is often not taken as seriously,” Harris stated. “This holds true regardless of education or economic status; it boils down to racial bias.”
She drew attention to the experience of renowned tennis player Serena Williams, who shared her own birth story, illustrating how even fame and privilege do not guarantee safety in maternal care. Harris underscored the necessity for cultural shifts in how women’s health issues are perceived, asserting that women often feel they should remain silent about their needs, fearing judgment when discussing reproductive health.
Harris shared her personal connection to this issue, recounting how her mother’s dedication to women’s health and dignity deeply influenced her. “From a young age, I understood the importance of treating women with respect regarding their health concerns,” she reflected. “I firmly believe that elevating this issue will create a generational impact for women, their children, and their families.”
In conclusion, Harris emphasized that effective change hinges on women understanding their rights and being heard.
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