Rep Belton said, "The racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes underscore the urgency of supporting women, particularly Black women, in their breastfeeding journeys. By providing equitable access to lactation support, we can take substantive steps toward bridging these disparities and promoting the well-being of both mothers and infants."
I would like to note Public Act 23-147, An Act Protecting Maternal Health was signed into law last year and made various changes to bolster healthcare access and services for maternal and infant health. This landmark piece of legislation is aimed at safeguarding the well-being of mothers, birthing parents, and infants across our state. The bill provisions collectively seek to address the racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, promote access to culturally competent care, and support the well-being of all families throughout Connecticut. I think PA-23-147 is truly a great piece of legislation to assist in bringing parity in quality of care to the overall birthing journey.
As we close this year’s Black Maternal Health Week, I am reminded that it is not just about acknowledging the deep and widening disparities, it is also about actively doing the work to dismantle the systems that enable them to exist in the first place. Let us dedicate ourselves to ensuring every single mother and birthing parent receives the care and support they need and deserve. Let us make sure that they are heard, respected, and celebrated throughout their birthing journey and that it is a journey filled with lots of love and unspeakable joy – not just this week, but 365 days a year.
WTNH did a story on the topic on Wednesday, please click on the video below to watch.
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