PITTSBURGH, PA — State lawmakers convened in Pittsburgh to address the alarming realities of maternal health deserts in Pennsylvania. Co-hosted by the House Majority Policy Committee and the Black Maternal Health Caucus, the hearing focused on improving access to maternal health care and reducing preventable maternal deaths.
“Maternal health care deserts are creating a cascade of consequences for expecting mothers,” stated Rep. Morgan Cephas, co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. She highlighted the challenges many mothers face, such as traveling up to 45 minutes to access care, which poses significant risks when emergencies arise.
The hearing at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco was part of a broader, three-day Maternal Health Summit organized to spotlight critical issues, including challenges within underserved communities. Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes emphasized the urgency for action, noting, “We are driven in the Black Maternal Health Caucus by one statistic, 93% of maternal deaths are preventable. The question is why we are not preventing them.”
Testimonies highlighted the importance of access to midwives and doulas in improving birth outcomes, particularly for Black women and women of color. Expert witnesses included Tica Nickson, founder of BirthRoot Community Doula Alliance, and Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, an ob-gyn from Allegheny Health Network, who reinforced the value of trained birthing professionals in bridging health care gaps.
The Caucus also revisited its “Momnibus” package of legislation, targeting maternal mortality and morbidity rates in Pennsylvania. The U.S. maternal mortality rate is notably higher than in other developed nations, standing at three times the rate of France, according to the caucus.
Rep. Gina H. Curry pointed to the systemic issues aggravated by hospital closures and overstrained medical staff, stating that these challenges particularly endanger mothers in health deserts. “There are devastating consequences, including life-and-death situations, for people living in maternal health deserts across the state.”
The lawmakers committed to advancing initiatives stemming from the hearing, aiming to foster equitable access to maternal care and reduce preventable deaths. With focused legislative efforts and community collaboration, they hope to alleviate these disparities for families across Pennsylvania.
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