Biden’s plan will help save babies’ lives in Columbus
Moms and babies are dying, unnecessary and preventable deaths, in the United States.
In Franklin County, two to three babies die every week before the age of 1.
Ohio has an infant mortality rate of 6.8 deaths for every 1,000 live births, and the number doubles for our Black babies to 14.5. In 2019, Ohio was ranked 42nd in infant mortality rate among states. Likewise, our residents continue to suffer and die during and after pregnancy.
These grave realities are why it’s so momentous that the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act and why the Senate must follow its lead.
The act provides $1.125 billion to invest in maternal health based on the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act. When we invest in the health and well-being of moms, our babies are healthier, too.
The Build Back Better Act provides $175 million for addressing social determinants of maternal health at the local level. As a mom, longtime advocate, former state representative and now county commissioner, I know how critical it is to provide resources and work with our families right where they’re at — in their homes and communities.
Through investments in housing, nutrition and environmental conditions, our moms and babies will have safer experiences and healthier outcomes.
Additionally, this bill provides $50 million for doulas, who provide life-saving and essential health care that greatly improve prenatal health and birth outcomes. The focus on the workforce is also shown through the $50 million for training on bias for health care professionals. In health care, racism and prejudice can be deadly. The Build Back Better Act takes this charge seriously.
The bill provides other investments, from $100 million for maternal mental health equity grants, to $85 million to address health risks caused by climate change on this population and $50 million to promote representative community engagement on maternal review committees.
The Build Back Better Act enables America to not merely pay lip service to caring about the deaths of moms and babies, but instead truly invest in their health and well-being.
Erica C. Crawley is a Franklin County commissioner. From 2019 to 2021, she represented Ohio’s 26th House District, which includes much of eastern and southeastern Columbus.