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Sacramento: Lawmakers Hear From Health Advocates on “State of Black Maternal Health”

September 8, 2025

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) hosted a legislative briefing on Black maternal health at the California State Museum, highlighting the disproportionate rate of pregnancy-related complications and deaths among Black women. Adjoa Jones, Director of the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative, shared stories of two Black women who died after childbirth in Southern California, emphasizing these were preventable tragedies. The event featured expert panelists discussing policy solutions to address systemic inequities in healthcare for Black mothers, including legislation like Assembly Bill 2319, which mandates implicit bias training for healthcare providers by June 2025.

Who is affected

  • Black mothers and infants in California
  • Families of women who died from pregnancy-related complications, including the families of April Valentine and Briget Cromer
  • Black women who represent 5% of pregnancies but 21% of pregnancy-related deaths in California
  • Healthcare providers who will need to complete implicit bias training
  • Communities impacted by maternal mortality disparities

What action is being taken

  • California Black Health Network is hosting legislative briefings on Black maternal health
  • The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative is working to prevent maternal deaths
  • Assembly Bill 2319, authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson and signed into law by Governor Newsom, mandates healthcare providers complete implicit bias training by June 1, 2025
  • Medical professionals, advocates, and community leaders are sharing data, personal stories, and policy solutions to guide policymakers
  • Advocates like Jones are providing support to families affected by maternal mortality

Why it matters

  • Black women in California are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications
  • California loses a mother to pregnancy-related complications every five days
  • The maternal health crisis stems from systemic issues including structural racism, bias in healthcare, and lack of access to quality care
  • Many of these maternal deaths are preventable with proper care and attention
  • Addressing Black maternal health impacts the well-being of all women, families, and communities

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Sacramento: Lawmakers Hear From Health Advocates on “State of Black Maternal Health”