Birthing While Black: Examining America’s Black Maternal Health Crisis

Chairwoman Maloney's Opening Statement [PDF]

Congresswoman Kelly's Opening Statement [PDF]

On Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. E.T., Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Committee Member Rep. Robin Kelly will co-chair a hybrid hearing to examine the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis experienced by Black birthing people in America.

The Committee will examine how America’s historical and ongoing structural racism against Black people is a root cause of the nation’s Black maternal morality crisis, and evaluate the need for comprehensive reforms and investments at the federal level to ensure the health and prosperity of Black birthing people and Black families across the United States.

Across the United States, Black birthing people are at disproportionate risk of death and adverse health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy.  Black birthing people are three to four times more likely to experience pregnancy-related death than their white counterparts, and they experience higher rates of pregnancy complications, infant loss, and miscarriage across the board.  The coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately harmed Black people in the United States and worsened pre-existing health disparities.