Chairwoman Mosquera Opening Statement for Maternal Health Committee Meeting

(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden, Gloucester) led the Women and Children Committee meeting on Monday in considering legislation to improve maternal health care in New Jersey.

Chairwoman Mosquera made the following opening statement:

“Today, this committee will consider several bills that aim to expand access to critical pre- and post-pregnancy screening, testing and care. Maternal health remains an important priority for this committee as we continue to seek ways to improve our state’s maternal mortality rate while reducing unacceptable racial disparities in health outcomes.

“We all know that New Jersey ranks 47^th in terms of maternal mortality and that over 60 percent of maternal deaths in New Jersey are women of color. That is unacceptable. These statistics and racial disparities must change, and I am confident they will change.

“As a mother myself, I understand just how stressful and complex the childbirth process can be. New Jersey women deserve access to the best possible care before, during and after their pregnancies. From preeclampsia to post-partum depression, we must ensure our health care system takes the unique medical needs of mothers and infants into account.

“Thank you to my fellow Assembly members for your sponsorship and support of today’s legislation, which will serve as another step in the right direction for mothers throughout our state.”