This week marks the 5th Annual Black Maternal Mental Health Week, founded by our partners at Shades of Blue.
Maternal mental health problems like postpartum depression are common during and after pregnancy. As many as 1 in 5 pregnant women in the U.S. experience one.[1] Black women face these problems twice as often as other women. But they get treatment only half as often.[2] Why? The reasons include unfair history, stigma,and a shortage of doctors trained in culturally competent care.[3]
Congress is considering the Moms Matter Act. This bill would:
- Create a grant program to fund local programs that support people with mental health conditions during and after pregnancy.
- Grow and diversify the maternal mental health workforce, so more moms can get high-quality care.
Each year, more mothers die from mental health problems linked to pregnancy.[4] The Moms Matter Act would strengthen care for all mothers. It would also send extra resources to those hit hardest by this crisis.
It’s time to invest in Black Maternal Mental Health!
The United States remains the most dangerous place to give birth among wealthy nations.[5] Black women face the highest risk of dying from pregnancy-related problems, no matter their income or education level.[6]
Help us pass the Moms Matter Act to expand maternal mental health care, strengthen the maternal health workforce, and ensure every family has access to the support they deserve.
Add your name now, and share this letter with friends and family so they can take action too.
Together, we can build a better future for moms, babies, families, and communities.
Thanks for all you do,
— Gina, Tina, Monifa, and the whole MomsRising.org & MamásConPoder Team
P.S.– Would you be willing to write a letter to the editor for maternal mental health? Click here to take action!
References:
[1] Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet
[2] Black Maternal Mental Health: The Data, the Barriers, and Organizations to Support
[3] Advancing Racial Equity in Maternal Mental Health Policy, CLASP
[4] Maternal mental health conditions drive climbing death rate in US, research says
[5] Insights into the US Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison
[6] Listen to the Whispers before They Become Screams: Addressing Black Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States
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