AAFP Sees Strong Maternal Health Potential in 'Momnibus' Act
March 12, 2020 10:00 am News Staff -- The Academy recently signaled optimism that a newly introduced legislative package -- the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 -- "will go a long way toward addressing the health disparities and poor outcomes that women of color continue to experience."
"Family physicians, including those providing maternal care services, are critical to the solutions regarding this important issue, as we know that many maternal deaths occur due to underlying health issues," said the AAFP's March 8 letter. (CHECK LINK)
The letter was sent to Reps. Alma Adams, D-N.C., and Lauren Underwood, D-Ill. The congresswomen last spring launched the Black Maternal Health Caucus; it now counts more than 100 members.
In a statement to the caucus, AAFP President Gary LeRoy, M.D., of Dayton, Ohio, applauded the proposals in the bill.
"Supporting women's health and delivering babies are part of what puts the 'family' in family medicine, and family physicians are a critical part of giving moms and their babies the best start," LeRoy said in a statement about the Momnibus package. "The American Academy of Family Physicians is proud to support the Black Maternal Health Caucus' work to advance this important national dialogue about improving maternal outcomes for women of color."