REMARKS
Addressing the maternal health crisis and related legislation
0:18:45
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3 min
Speaker Adams emphasizes the urgency of addressing the maternal mortality crisis in New York City and introduces several pieces of legislation aimed at improving maternal health outcomes.
- Highlights the racial disparities in maternal mortality rates and calls for coordinated action
- Announces the council's plan to convene stakeholders to create solutions for ending maternal mortality
- Presents resolutions and bills related to maternal health, including the Chisholm Chance Act, increased Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, and requirements for parenting resource materials
Adrienne E. Adams
0:18:45
The next set of bills we will vote on are related to maternal health.
0:18:49
Yesterday, I delivered an emergency speech to convey the urgency necessary for our city to confront maternal mortality.
0:18:57
The continued deaths and their severe racial disparities are a continued injustice that we cannot allow to persist.
0:19:04
In New York City, black women are six times more likely than our white counterparts to die due to pregnancy related causes.
0:19:12
As a society, we've accepted maternal mortality as an unfortunate casualty when in fact, most deaths could have been prevented.
0:19:21
New Yorkers are looking to us for leadership.
0:19:24
While we recognize that progress has been made because of advocates, members of this Women majority council, city agencies, the state and others, We must also be honest that there are limitations to solving this issue solely through new laws alone.
0:19:40
As a society and a city, we must reject acceptance of maternal mortality and some of the issues that perpetuate it.
0:19:47
That's why I raised the alarm and level of urgency and announced that the council will help convene all stakeholders from the city, state, and federal government, as well as the brilliant minds in our public and private hospital systems, university medical schools, community based organizations, healthcare providers, labor unions, advocates and survivors with a goal of creating the political will for coordinated action on solutions to end maternal mortality.
0:20:17
The maternal health crisis is a public health emergency, and I will consistently use my voice as speaker to keep it at the forefront of our city's agenda.
0:20:27
We have the talent, resources, and tools to change the trajectory of maternal mortality in our city.
0:20:33
No one should die from preventable causes, and we owe it to our mothers without whom there is no life.
0:20:41
To work together and get this right.
0:20:43
At the same time, the council will continue with oversight and law making where we can to make a difference.
0:20:49
At our last stated meeting, the council passed a legislative package addressing maternal mental health and recognition that it is one of the greatest causes of maternal mortality.
0:20:59
Today, we are continuing this work by voting on bills to strengthen support for those who can become pregnant.
0:21:06
Resolution 293A sponsored by council member, Althea Stevens, would call him the New York State legislature to pass and the governor to sign the chisholm chants act, which would establish a plan to address the severe maternal morbidity crisis in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
0:21:22
Resolution 133a sponsored by council member Julie Menin would call on the New York State legislation to pass and the governor to sign legislation to increase Medicaid reimbursement to cover 8 pre and post natal visits as well as delivery support by doulas.
0:21:37
We thank our staff member Christy Dwyer.
0:21:41
Introduction 891 A, sponsored by Council member Faroe Lewis, would require the Department of Health And Mental Hygiene to annually post information related to the maternal mortality and morbidity review committee on its website.
0:21:53
Introduction 892 a, also sponsored by council member Lewis, would require employers to distribute their written loc lactation rule accommodation policy to an employee when they're hired and post the policy in their workplace and on their intranet if one exists.
0:22:09
And introduction 9 12b, sponsored by council member, Jennifer Gutierrez, would require DOHMH to develop and distribute parent parenting resource materials to parents and guardians of newborn children.
0:22:21
We thank our staff member, Sahar Mozami.
0:22:24
Thank you for your attention.
0:22:26
Now I turn it back over to our majority leader.