Black Maternal Health Caucus Launches In Ohio

CLEVELAND — Ohio's first ever Black Maternal Health Caucus was created this week by two Northeast Ohio state representatives.

Rep. Janine Boyd, a Democrat from Cleveland Heights, and Stephanie Howse, a Democrat from Cleveland, said they want to improve health outcomes for black mothers and children. Black infants are three times more likely to die before their first birthday than white infants in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

“It is our responsibility as lawmakers to legislate opportunities that improve the lives of all women and families. If we’re serious about effectively addressing the dire rate of maternal and infant mortality in Ohio, we must focus our efforts where they’re needed most—in our black communities who see a real disparity in maternal health outcomes,” said Boyd. “This caucus is the first of its kind in Ohio, and we’re hopeful that by working together, we can save lives, improve health and strengthen communities across Ohio.”

In Cuyahoga County, home to both Boyd's and Howse's districts, the racial disparity in infant mortality rates is even worse. Black infants are six times more likely to die than white infants in the county, according to research by the Center for Community Solutions.

Howse and Boyd said they wanted the creation of the caucus to coincide with Black Maternal Health Week, which ends on April 17. The week is meant to bring awareness to black maternal health outcomes across the nation.

“Better lives and brighter futures begin with healthy moms and babies, but right now in Ohio, we’re failing our black mothers,” said Rep. Howse. “The Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus is focused on expanding access to healthcare and opportunity and giving every Ohioan, regardless of background, a real shot at the American Dream.”