State leaders: Work must continue to reduce maternal mortality

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State leaders met in Harrisburg yesterday to highlight maternal mortality rates and the efforts by the Shapiro-Davis Administration to reduce them. 

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs along with Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware County, Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, and lawmakers from the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus held a panel discussion and screening of the documentary, Aftershock, at the Pennsylvania State Museum.  

During his first year in office, Gov. Josh Shapiro secured $2.3 million to expand maternal health programming and signed Senate Bill 262 to ensure improved access to timely data on maternal health and maternal mortality in Pennsylvania, allowing researchers, doctors, and policymakers to make more informed decisions. 

 “As the Second Lady of Pennsylvania, a longtime advocate for Black maternal health and a new mom myself, I am proud that the Shapiro-Davis Administration is making this public health crisis a top priority,” said Blayre Holmes Davis in video remarks shared at the event.  

“Black women – including high-profile people like Serena Williams and Allyson Felix, as well as health care providers and moms – have been shouting from the rooftops about the Black maternal health crisis, and their voices are finally being heard and experiences acknowledged,” Davis said. “By working together, we will improve outcomes for Black moms and babies and save lives and families.” 

Bogen said, “The tragic and unacceptable reality of maternal mortality is far too common in the U.S. and Pennsylvania. Every death of a new mother impacts their entire community. In Pennsylvania, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die related to pregnancy and childbirth than white women.  

“It is essential that we come together – government and community leaders along with healthcare professionals, and others – to identify and address the root causes of maternal morbidity and mortality.” 

Anette Nance, executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, said. “Empowering Black maternal health through awareness and education is not just a commitment to women – it’s an investment in the wellbeing and resilience of future generations.”  

Nance said last year, the Shapiro-Davis Administration delivered “historic investments and commonsense solutions” for Pennsylvanians.  

“As executive director, I’m committed to building on this work along with the Women’s Commission and driving this conversation forward in our communities,” she said. 

Curry said the statistics don’t lie.  

“As we continue to work on this issue of accessibility and affordability of care, we remember those who have lost their lives and have been directly impacted on this Maternal Health Awareness Day,” she said.  

Dr. Sharee Livingston, Commissioner, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, a Black OB/GYN physician, said “The Black maternal health crisis affects me both professionally and personally. Understanding maternal health statistics is important, and investing in solutions to the Black maternal health crisis is critical!” 

Livingston said diversifying the perinatal workforce is one of many solutions to improve maternal health outcomes. 

“We need all forces working together to reverse worsening trends of maternal health disparities that lead too often to preventable deaths in Black communities,” she said.