National WIC Association: The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act is a transformative piece of legislation that offers comprehensive reforms to create safer and more equitable pregnancy and birthing experiences for Black and Indigenous women.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Earlier today, the Black Maternal Health Caucus introduced the latest version of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (Momnibus) - a bill that builds on the momentum of its 2019 counterpart with improved changes that have the ability to positively impact nearly one million Americans. This critical legislation is a comprehensive effort to address racial disparities in maternal health access and has been championed by Congresswomen Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Alma Adams (D-NC) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).
The Momnibus targets different elements contributing to inequitable treatment of Black mothers in the healthcare system. The legislative package would extend postpartum eligibility for participants enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to two years — providing essential support, nutrition and care for moms after birth and beyond. The Momnibus would also ensure culturally competent care in the WIC workforce by providing anti-racism and implicit bias training for WIC providers and funding to diversify the educational pipeline to WIC-aligned professions like dietetics, nutrition and lactation counseling.
The following statement is attributed to Dr. Jamila Taylor, President & CEO of the National WIC Association (NWA):
"The current state of maternal mortality in the United States is unconscionable, with Black and Indigenous women dying at alarmingly high rates. The National WIC Association is honored to fully endorse the Momnibus, a groundbreaking legislative effort that aims to eradicate the shameful racial disparities in maternal health that have been allowed to persist.
"Since its inception almost 50 years ago, WIC has been committed to health equity for our nation’s most vulnerable mothers, infants and families. If passed, the Momnibus will build on that legacy and work to give Black and Indigenous postpartum and breastfeeding moms more of what they need – time, support and care.
"Thank you to Congresswomen Lauren Underwood and Alma Adams and Senator Cory Booker for their unwavering advocacy on behalf of mothers across the country. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act is a transformative piece of legislation that offers comprehensive reforms to create safer and more equitable pregnancy and birthing experiences for Black and Indigenous women. Providing these essential supports for all moms is imperative for building a United States where everyone, no matter their background, can thrive."