New Jersey Senate Bill SR107

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/12/24
• Refer: 9/12/24

Caption

Urges Congress to pass federal "Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act."

Impact

By necessitating the passage of the Momnibus Act, the resolution aims to improve maternal health care across the nation, including in New Jersey, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. The Momnibus includes comprehensive measures, such as allocating over $1 billion to improve access to maternal health services, particularly for underserved populations. This funding will address social determinants of health, such as housing and transportation, which significantly affect maternal health outcomes.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 107 urges Congress to pass the federal 'Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act,' a critical legislative package designed to address the rising maternal mortality and morbidity rates, particularly within the Black community in the United States. It recognizes the alarming statistics surrounding maternal health crises, including that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This resolution also highlights the racial disparities in maternal health, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contention

Despite its supportive stance, there may be contention surrounding the allocation of resources and the structural changes necessary to implement the provisions of the Momnibus. Advocates argue for the necessity of these changes to combat racial inequities in health care, while opponents may express concerns over funding sources and the practical execution of such sweeping legislative changes. The emphasis on addressing systemic issues like implicit bias in health care may also face scrutiny from those questioning the effectiveness of such measures.

Notable_points

The resolution cites critical data from the CDC indicating that over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, underscoring the urgency for legislative action. It also emphasizes the need for effective data collection to inform health care practices and policies. Furthermore, the Momnibus aims to enhance maternal health care by incorporating digital health tools, raising the profile of maternal vaccinations, and caring for mothers during public health crises.