CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This week marks the fifth anniversary of the Black Maternal Health Week, running from April 11-17.
"This situation is worse today than it was 25 years ago," Rep. Alma Adams said.
Rep. Adams is the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, and she's pushing the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which was reintroduced in February 2021, and remains stalled in the US Senate.
RELATED: 'We can ultimately impact' | Johnson C. Smith University working to reduce the Black mortality rate
Statistics show black mothers are nearly three times as likely to die in childbirth, and infant mortality is nearly two times as high in Black communities.
The Momnibus Act consists of 12 bills, and addresses social determinants of health and funds community-based organizations.
"It's a comprehensive approach posed to the crisis. We've never tried it before," Adams said.
Adams said the legislation protects women from all walks of life.
"It doesn't matter what your socioeconomic status is, how much money you have, how much insurance you have, it impacts anyone," Adams said.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW SUNDAY AT 11 A.M. ON FLASHPOINT, ONLY ON WCNC CHARLOTTE.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.