The Momnibus Act: Empowering Moms to Build a Better Future

You may have heard of it, but do you know what it means?

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 3305/S. 1606) is made up of thirteen bills sponsored by Black Maternal Health Caucus Members. It is groundbreaking government legislation born out of recognizing the urgent need to save and improve the lives of mothers, and notably Black mothers. Find out what it is, how it impacts moms like you, and how we can all work together to support a more equitable environment for all mothers.

What is it?

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, and significant disparities in outcomes - and the crisis is only worsening: the maternal mortality rate in 2021 was 89% percent higher than 2018. As many as 80% of these maternal deaths are preventable with proper care and treatment. The Momnibus Act will address this crisis through historic investments that comprehensively address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States.

The Momnibus (mom + omnibus) Act is a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by mothers today. The Act is a legislative proposal aimed at improving the lives of mothers and families in the United States. It encompasses a range of policies and provisions covering various areas impacting mothers, including maternal health, childcare, paid leave, and workplace discrimination.

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How Will It Impact You?

Four major tenets of the Act are improved maternal health, improved access to affordable childcare, comprehensive paid family leave, and combating workplace discrimination against mothers.

Improved Maternal Health: the Momnibus Act focuses on improving maternal health outcomes by investing in programs and resources that enhance access to quality prenatal and postpartum care. This includes expanding Medicaid coverage, addressing racial disparities in maternal mortality rates, and supporting mental health services for mothers.

Improved Access to Affordable Childcare: Accessible and affordable childcare is crucial for working moms. The Act seeks to expand access to high-quality childcare by investing in child care infrastructure, increasing funding for subsidies, and supporting initiatives to improve the wages and training of childcare providers.

Comprehensive Paid Family Leave: Many mothers face the difficult choice between returning to work and caring for their newborns. The Momnibus Act advocates for comprehensive paid family and medical leave, ensuring that mothers have the time and financial support to bond with their children and recover from childbirth without sacrificing their livelihoods.

Combating Workplace Discrimination: Mothers often face discrimination and bias in the workplace. The Momnibus Act seeks to combat workplace discrimination by strengthening protections against pregnancy discrimination, promoting pay equity, and providing support for breastfeeding accommodations.

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How Can You Help? 

1. Educate Yourself: Learn more about the Momnibus Act and its provisions to understand its potential impact on mothers and families and contribute to informed conversations.
2. Support Advocacy Organizations: Numerous advocacy organizations are working tirelessly to promote the Momnibus Act and advocate for mothers' rights. Black Mamas Matter Alliance is an organization at the forefront of this movement, and one that we here at Matrescence continue to support. A list of more than 200 organizations endorsing the Momnibus can be found here. Consider supporting these organizations through donations, volunteering, or participating in awareness campaigns.
3. Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to your elected officials to express your support for the Act. Write letters, make phone calls, or attend town hall meetings to voice your concerns and urge them to support this crucial legislation.
4. Raise Awareness: Utilize social media platforms, community events, or your personal networks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by mothers and the importance of the Momnibus Act. Share stories and statistics that highlight the need for comprehensive support for mothers.

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act represents a significant step towards recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black mothers in the United States; however, the impact of this act will be felt by every mother. By supporting this proposal, we can collectively work towards a more equitable society that empowers mothers, promotes their health and well-being, and ensures that they have the necessary support to flourish. Join us as we rally together to advocate for change and create a brighter future for moms and families.

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• The full text of the bill can be found here.