Murphy Makes Infant Race Gap Part Of Her Senate Campaign Platform

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy had a big advantage as a mom because of two reasons, she says: she’s rich and white.

When Murphy – who is married to Gov. Phil Murphy – officially announced her campaign for United States senator in 2024, she spoke about her experience as a mother of four, saying that it was one of the key motivations that inspired her to run against Sen. Robert Menendez.

“When I was pregnant, and even after [my children] were born, I worried about a million things, like all moms do,” Murphy said. “But I never worried if I'd survive childbirth, or if my babies would get the care they needed.”

“I didn't have to,” she continued. “The money in our family's bank account, and frankly, the color of my skin meant I could get the best care available. But that's not the case for a lot of women.”

Black babies born in the state are three times more likely to die before their first birthdays than white infants, according to recent statistics from state health officials. Meanwhile, Hispanic women in New Jersey experience twice the rate of infant mortality compared to white women, researchers have pointed out.

This startling disparity in health care – which Murphy previously called “shameful” – has now become a major plank in her campaign platform as she gets ready to take on Menendez and a growing field of other challengers next year.

On Monday, the first lady appeared for a roundtable discussion at University Hospital in Newark to advocate for a proposed state law that aims to attack the infant mortality gap with a new weapon: doulas.

If it becomes law, the bill would ensure that pregnant mothers can be accompanied by their doulas in hospitals and birthing centers across the state. Hospitals and birthing centers would have to develop and maintain policies that allow doulas to accompany patients before, during and after labor and childbirth. These facilities will also be required to publicly post their policies and designate a contact to maintain communications between their staff, the doula community, and patients.

The bill’s sponsors include New Jersey senators Teresa Ruiz, Renee Burgess and Nellie Pou, and Assembly members Shanique Speight, Mila Jasey, Annette Quijano, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.

Read the full text here.

Expanding the role of doulas in New Jersey is part of Murphy’s “Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan,” a blueprint that aims to cut New Jersey’s maternal mortality rate by 50 percent over five years.

The first lady’s initiative has seen financial backing from the state, including money for doulas.

Since 2018, Gov. Murphy has included millions of dollars of funding towards doula services and programs in the state budget. This continued effort has resulted in the training of more than 250 new doulas in communities that have been the most impacted by high maternal mortality, the governor’s office says.

The bill announced Monday would be a win for parents across the state – and not only those who have lower incomes, its sponsors say.

“This legislation will have a tremendously important impact on Black, Latina women and women of color, regardless their status or socioeconomic standing,” said Sen. Pou, chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus.

“With this measure, we will be putting our words to action, noting that mothers are among the most courageous people in ours or any society,” Pou said. “Providing them with the full care and doula support they need during childbirth speaks to the heart of who we are and what we value as a people.”

“In communities, particularly those of color, where challenging birthing experiences persist, this bill is a beacon of hope,” Assemblywoman Speight agreed.

Lawmakers aren’t the only ones cheering the bill on.

Newark resident Shaunell Bullock said that her own journey into parenthood was “kind of hectic at first” because she didn’t know a lot about pregnancy. At one point, she was prescribed higher medication dosages than what she was supposed to receive, which caused her to be hospitalized.

Having someone like a doula on her side could have made a big difference, she said. And after getting a taste of what they can do, Bullock is now calling for New Jersey to invest in the futures of moms across the state.

“Having her in the hospital with me was a blessing because she let me know what to expect and was able to explain certain things the doctor would tell me that I didn’t understand,” Bullock recalled. “She also knew what I was comfortable with and what I wasn’t comfortable with and voiced that to the doctors when I couldn’t."

• See Related: NJ Doula Speaks About 5 Stigmas Pregnant Black Women Face

Murphy posted a video of Monday’s discussion and announcement of the doula bill on social media (watch it here).

The post drew comments from some internet pundits, who questioned whether the first lady should be making public announcements involving pending state legislation.

“Out of curiosity, who elected you to a position where you should be announcing anything on behalf of the state government of New Jersey?” one person quipped. “Last time I checked, New Jersey wasn’t a monarchy!”

• See Related: NJ’s Infant Mortality Gap Is ‘Shameful,’ Tammy Murphy Says
• See Related: Here's The Plan To Fix New Jersey's 'Racist' Infant Mortality Gap
• See Related: Tackle NJ Black Infant Death Gap By Training Docs, Lawmakers Say

SENATE RACE IN NJ: THE CANDIDATES SO FAR

Murphy is one of several New Jersey candidates who are running for U.S. Senate in 2024.

Menendez has maintained that he is not guilty of the most recent bribery charges he’s facing. Read More: Menendez Says He Will Not Resign, Is Innocent After Bribery Indictment

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-3) – another Democratic front-runner – has launched his own senate campaign.

According to Ballotpedia, other challengers currently include Kevin Cupples (Democrat), Lawrence Hamm (Democrat), Daniel Cruz (Republican), Shirley Maia-Cusick (Republican), Gregg Mele (Republican), Christine Serrano-Glassner (Republican), Christina Khalil (Green) and Nick Carducci (Independent).

• See Related: Senate Candidate From NJ Calls For Ceasefire In Israel-Gaza War
• See Related: NJ Green Party Candidates Blast Menendez's Comments On Israel-Palestine

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