Kathy Castor: “I thank Ms. Schrier for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Preventing Maternal Deaths…”

“I thank Ms. Schrier for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act. It is critical legislation that I am proud to co-lead to address the maternal mortality crisis in America, unconscionably the worst in the developed world. Each of us deserves to live a healthy life. For mothers, for women, that includes access to the care they need before, during, and after pregnancy. Pregnancy in America right now is too often traumatic or is life-threatening, and our maternal health crisis in many places is tearing families apart. This is particularly true for Black women, who often experience worse outcomes due to disparities in access to medical care, the care that they need and that they deserve. Our bill will help recommit to the health of our neighbors by ensuring that more moms can have safe pregnancies by improving health outcomes for the patients at the highest risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. In the Tampa Bay area, I am proud to represent outstanding OB/GYNs and providers, clinics like Evara Health or organizations like REACHUP, the Healthy Start Coalitions, and more. They have worked tirelessly to address our maternal mortality rates and improve the quality of care for new and expecting mothers.…”