P O S I T I O N S T A T E M E N T
March 7, 2023
Louisville Urban League’s Statement on Maternal Health
There have been a significant number of bills filed during the 2023 legislative session that focuses on improving maternal and infant health outcomes in Kentucky. Among the highlights are House Bill 54, HB 275, and HB 277 which would all expand access to midwifery and doula services; HB 281 which would extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant people and their partners; and HB 142, HB 270, HB 273, and HB 285 which are sales tax bills meant to reduce the cost of essential supplies.
In Kentucky, according to recent data, Black women are twice as likely to experience maternal health morbidities and researchers have stated that the United States is the only industrialized nation where Black maternal health is getting worse. Furthermore, of all the maternal deaths documented in Kentucky, roughly 75% of them are considered preventable. A startling new study has recently documented what many have already known–systemic racism is the root cause of disparities in Black maternal and infant health outcomes. Wealth does not protect Black women.
Increasing the quality of care that Black women and babies receive should be a top priority for our state. Access to midwives and doulas has been shown to significantly reduce negative maternal outcomes. A recent doula pilot program established by Anthem in partnership with local doula groups Mama to Mama, Kentucky Doulas, and Hope’s Embrace successfully saw a 65% reduction in C-sections, 85% reduction in postpartum anxiety and depression, and a 96% increase in breastfeeding rates.
Please leave a message for your legislators by calling the Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 and urging them to support or continue supporting these essential bills.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
[email protected] | (502) 512-3681
About the Louisville Urban League
The Louisville Urban League assists African Americans and those at the margins in attaining social and economic equality and stability through direct services and advocacy. For more information, go to lul.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@louisvilleUL), or Instagram (@louisville_ul).
