MADISON, WI- Today, Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) and Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) introduced the Birth Equity Act, a package of legislation designed to disrupt inequities in maternal and child health by supporting Black, Brown, and Indigenous mothers and infants. On this, Representative Stubbs released the following statement:
“Mothers of color in Wisconsin are consistently underserved. Black mothers are five times more likely to die from childbirth or pregnancy, and Black infants are three times more likely to die before they reach the age of one. These numbers show that systemic inequity has made Wisconsin one of the worst states in the nation for Black mothers and Black children. We cannot stand idle as our families continue to suffer.”
“The Birth Equity Act is a bold and comprehensive bill package that will tangibly impact the lives of countless women in Wisconsin. By expanding insurance coverage, removing financial burdens, and increasing access to full-spectrum care, we will give families of color the opportunity to thrive in our great state.”
“These actionable policies are a meaningful step forward for Wisconsin. Our children, our mothers and our families deserve health coverage, healthcare and health access. By taking this step forward, we are not only dismantling systems of oppression, but building systems of equity”
“When Black mothers do better, we all do better. For too long our healthcare system has failed women of color and their children. Now is the time to act, and make Wisconsin a better place to live for everyone”
