ICYMI: Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis Highlights Black Maternal Health Week

April 12, 2024

Holmes Davis: “I had the privilege of having a healthy pregnancy and a positive, empowering birthing experience, but I know that is not the case for many Black mothers”

PITTSBURGH – To mark the start of Black Maternal Health Week, Pennsylvania Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis is sharing her experiences as a first-time mom in a new op-ed, writing, “I had the privilege of having a healthy pregnancy and a positive, empowering birthing experience, but I know that is not the case for many Black mothers.”

Holmes Davis noted that the 2021 Maternal Mortality Report from the state Department of Health found that “Black women were twice more likely to die while pregnant, during birth or postpartum, compared to white women in Pennsylvania.”

The Second Lady also highlighted how “the Shapiro-Davis Administration is making it a priority to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes,” including the first state funding ever to address the Black maternal mortality crisis.

The new Shapiro-Davis budget proposal doubles down on those investments, with “an additional $2.6 million to continue capacity-building to enhance prenatal care, promote maternal health education, address racial disparities and strengthen support systems, ensuing every Pennsylvanian receives the comprehensive care necessary for a safe and health pregnancy and childbirth.”

To continue raising awareness during this important week, the Second Lady will join the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus for a Capitol news conference on Tuesday, April 16.

Shapiro-Davis admin seeks to address Black maternity mortality crisis (goerie.com)

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