March for Moms and its partners called on Congress to ensure the dignity and well-being of moms and growing families during the COVID-19 crisis. Prior to COVID-19, the United States was already one of the most dangerous high-resource places in the world to give birth. The current public health crisis has exacerbated some of the world’s most significant problems with the maternal health care system, and our leaders must take action to protect moms.
“We must bring the United States to the forefront of maternal health,” said Katie Shea Barrett, Executive Director of March for Moms. “During these uncertain times, prioritizing maternal health to reflect the necessary resources and protections for women and families is not only essential, but required for the well-being of our society.”
March for Moms and its partners are advocating that Congress make certain that moms and birthing people, particularly those most at risk for poor outcomes, are prioritized and included when making critical economic and public health decisions about policies and services in these challenging times; ensure that no mom or birthing person loses their health coverage in the postpartum period by permanently extending Medicaid for pregnant people to 1 year postpartum; make safe and virtual care available to families for prenatal, early labor support, birth, and postpartum care through one year, including perinatal mental health care and community-based doula support; and expand and safeguard access to birth centers and midwives for healthy pregnant and childbearing people.
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