
Advocates warn that the proposed federal budget cuts could harm the lives of millions of pregnant women, deepening the maternal death crisis and racial disparities. Disproportionately affecting people of color, women of color. However, black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia or postpartum bleeding, with 80% of which are preventable, according to CDC. Natasha Ewell relies on Medicaid to safely send their sons after unemployment during high-risk pregnancy. “It's very important for me to have that insurance,” she said. “I can't imagine not having my son here. Who would have allowed me to choose this option?” Medicaid's prenatal and postnatal care plays a crucial role. Ayanna Pressley called the crisis “the death penalty for black moms” citing the loss of her family in the 1950s. She and Senator Cory Booker are pushing for the Mommies Act to expand protection. “Policies determine who lives, who dies, who survives and thrives,” she said.
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