Rep. Brent calls for legislative action during Black Maternal Health Week

COLUMBUS- In honor of Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) issued the following statement urging action on legislation to reduce infant and maternal mortality.  

“Ohio must stand up for families by passing laws to prevent Black maternal and infant mortality. As a member of the Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus, I have co-sponsored multiple bills to protect Black mothers and babies that have not received a vote or even a first hearing,” said Rep. Brent. “We should ensure that all families can live safely and securely here in Ohio by implementing implicit bias training, expanding Medicaid coverage for doulas, and adopting other best practices.”

The OBMHC has introduced several bills to improve the health of Black mothers and babies, including: 

· House Concurrent Resolution (HRC) 6- To declare racism a public health crisis;

· House Bill (HB) 42- To enact the Save Our Mothers Act;

·  HB 142- To provide Medicaid coverage of doula services.