As black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as compared to white women because of systemic inequities and implicit bias, it is essential that they receive more care through the process.

As a part of Black Maternal Health Week, Harris announced a series of measures that will be undertaken to tackle this problem.

Two bills that Harris had previously worked on as a part of the U.S. Senate, the Black Maternal Health Momnibus, which calls for investments in health, housing, nutrition and transportation systemic issues that can have a profound impact on whether a mother can survive childbirth, and the Maternal Care Act to reduce errors in judgement by healthcare professionals, will be reenacted.

In addition, the American Rescue Plan will lower health insurance premiums, increase funds to states that increase access to medicate and extend coverage to people who are post-partum.

Listen here:

Black women are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. @POTUS and I are determined to ensure that Black women can get the care they deserve through pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum. #BlackMaternalHealthWeek https://t.co/X0NGrEqIKH

— Vice President Kamala Harris Archived (@VP46Archive) April 12, 2021