McClellan Kicks Off Black Maternal Health Week with District Events
McClellan Visits NICU in Henrico, Attends Maternal Health Hub Grand Opening in Petersburg
Richmond, VA – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) commemorated the start of Black Maternal Health Week and underscored the importance of combating the maternal health crisis by attending two events around Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.
“Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to uplift the voices of Black mothers, recognize the institutional racism and structural barriers that contribute to poor health outcomes for women of color, and renew our efforts to address the maternal mortality crisis in America,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Maternal death rates in this country are staggeringly higher than other developed nations, and Black mothers experience the highest rates among racial groups. We must do more to combat this crisis. Black mothers in America should not have to fear for our lives.”
Congresswoman McClellan toured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at HCA’s Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, where she met with hospital administrators and NICU health care workers.
“I almost died during childbirth with my daughter, Samantha, who was born nine weeks prematurely. After she was born, she received care at Henrico Doctors’ NICU for six weeks,” continued Congresswoman McClellan. “These facilities provide crucial services and play an integral role in combating disparate health outcomes. Thank you to the health care professionals at Henrico Doctors’ NICU for your tireless efforts to care for mothers and their newborns.”
Congresswoman McClellan also attended the grand opening ceremony for a maternal health hub in Petersburg, hosted by Urban Baby Beginnings and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
“Throughout my time in office, I have worked tirelessly to address disparities and systemic issues that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes for women, especially in communities of color,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “I am proud to stand with Urban Baby Beginnings and Anthem as they work to narrow maternal health gaps in Virginia by improving access to quality maternal health care, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.”
Congresswoman McClellan has been a leader on maternal health and early childhood services in the Commonwealth. While in the Virginia General Assembly, she led passage of the Reproductive Health Protection Act and the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act; fought for a constitutional amendment for reproductive freedom; supported the establishment of a Maternal Mortality Review Team; and voted for $22 million in funding to reduce racial disparities in Virginia’s maternal mortality rate.
View more photos from the events here.
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