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U.S. Reps. Young Kim (CA-40) and Robin Kelly (IL-02) announced that they will serve as the new Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus for the 118th Congress.
The objective of the caucus is to advance bipartisan maternal health policy goals and save lives. The co-chairs’ goals are to explore the biggest challenges to America’s maternity care system and the most promising solutions to expand safe and effective care for mothers and babies.
Reps. Kim and Kelly are committed to combating the maternal mortality crisis that claims the lives of far too many mothers and babies every year. The CDC estimates that 80% of maternal deaths are preventable, and the Maternity Care Caucus will advocate for policy solutions that address the root causes of maternal morbidity and infant death.
“As a mother of four and new grandmother of two babies, I understand the importance of maternal health and maternal mental health, and how challenging motherhood can be. This is personal to me,” said Rep. Young Kim (CA-40). “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs have only added more stress and uncertainty on moms and their families. I’m proud of the bipartisan work we accomplished last Congress, including creating a 24/7 maternal mental health and substance use hotline, and look forward to working on the Maternity Care Caucus with Rep. Kelly and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for mothers, babies and families across the nation.”
“Maternal health is a bipartisan issue. From extending Medicaid postpartum coverage to improving best practices and bias training for providers, I am proud of the bipartisan legislation I have already led to improve maternal health outcomes,” said Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02). “No matter what part of the country we represent, every Member of Congress represents constituents who need a safe, secure environment in which to give birth. I am glad to lead the Maternity Care Caucus with Congresswoman Kim to continue to advocate for mothers and babies in the House. I am grateful to Rep. Roybal-Allard and Rep. Herrera Beutler for their faith in our leadership. I look forward to continuing this work and making even more bipartisan progress.”
