The Word ‘Black’ Has Disappeared From Bills Aimed at Addressing Black Maternal Health

Absence of the Word “Black” in Black Maternal Health Bills Concerns Advocates

Advocates worry that the changes attempt to avoid anti-DEI attacks at the expense of making legislation less effective.

The Word ‘Black’ Has Disappeared From Bills Aimed at Addressing Black Maternal Health

This piece was copublished with The 19th, a nonprofit newsroom reporting on gender, politics policy and power. The word “Black” has been almost completely removed from a package of bills that have long been viewed as Congress’ main legislative vehicle to address the Black maternal health crisis, frustrating some advocates who feel Black women are being erased from the policy. The key change this year is the title. The Momnibus Act — filed in mid…

The word ‘Black’ has disappeared from a set of bills aimed at addressing Black maternal health

The word “Black” has been almost completely removed from a package of bills that have long been viewed as Congress’ main legislative vehicle to address the Black maternal health crisis, frustrating some advocates who feel Black women are being erased from the policy. The key change this year is the title. The Momnibus Act — filed in mid-March — was called the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in 2023; before that it was the Black Maternal Healt…

Bills Addressing Black Maternal Health No Longer Include ‘Black’ in Title

References to the word "Black" in the bill have changed over time. These changes appear to be in line with President Donald Trump's rollback of DEI initiatives.