Chicago, IL— April 11-17 marks this year’s Black Maternal Health Week, a week to recognize that Black women are dying at alarming and rising rates during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum due to disparities in our health care systems. In Illinois, at every level of government, Democrats have been fighting to close this health care gap.
“Every year, we see the stats—Black women dying at disproportionate rates compared to non-Hispanic white women,” said Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Hernandez. “What should be a celebratory moment too often turns into a family’s worst nightmare. As Illinois Democrats, it is our duty to help eliminate discrimination in health care, stop preventable deaths, and get pregnant people and their babies the comprehensive care they deserve.”
As a Cook County Commissioner, Donna Miller has been committed to keeping Black moms alive. She has led efforts on the Cook County Board to fund doula programs, reduce maternal health outcome disparities, and has secured millions for reproductive care access in Illinois.
“Affordable health care access and equity are my top priorities. As someone who has worked on this issue from the public, private and nonprofit sectors, I know how this affects all Americans,” said Cook County Commissioner and Democratic Congressional Nominee Donna Miller (IL-02). “The Black community is disproportionately impacted by the high incidents of maternal and infant mortality, which is 90% preventable. In my role as Cook County commissioner, I have passed model legislation that is being adopted by counties nationwide. In Congress, I will work to ensure the reproductive health care of all women is a national priority.”
Illinois Democrats are fighting to make our state the best place to raise a family and that includes actively working to close disparities in maternal health and advancing birth equity:
