Norcross, GA — As Women’s History Month draws to a close, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-07) continues to shine a light on maternal health in Georgia. On Thursday, March 28th, Rep. McBath participated in a roundtable discussion at Four Corners Primary Care with key stakeholders and women leaders with a focus on maternal health in Georgia. The conversation was hosted by Department of Health and Human Services Region IV Director Antrell Tyson.
“Here in Georgia, we know how urgently we must act to improve maternal health outcomes,” McBath said. “In Congress, I am fighting for mothers and their babies as an original member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and cosponsor of the Momnibus, a legislative package aimed at addressing health disparities in our community. I am so grateful for today’s opportunity to connect with providers and policy leaders who are focused on making a difference here in Georgia and across the country.”
The maternal health crisis in our country is unacceptable. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to addressing this urgent issue and using all available means to eliminate disparities in our health care system,” said Regional Director Tyson. “Far too many mothers in our country are losing their lives during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the postpartum period. This is not only a public health crisis, but a moral imperative that requires collective action. It is vital for community leaders to work with policy leaders and healthcare providers to address the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis in our country.”
McBath is a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and led introduction of the Extending WIC for New Moms Act as part of the Momnibus package this Congress. This bill would extend WIC eligibility through the post-partum and breastfeeding periods, lending critical support for new moms and babies. McBath is also a cosponsor of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, which would increase the cap on the number of medical residency positions covered by Medicare. Crucially, the bill contains language to prioritize slots to hospitals with ties to Historically Black Medical Schools.