“A Conversation on the Black Maternal and Infant Health Crisis”

Featuring Keynote by New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver and Panel Discussion to be Held May 27
at 7pm

New Jersey – The Junior Leagues of New Jersey State Public Affairs Committee (NJ SPAC) will be
hosting a free virtual event, “A Conversation on the Black Maternal and Infant Health Crisis,” on
Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 7-8:30pm to educate the public and Junior League members about the
Black Maternal and Infant Health Crisis in New Jersey. The event will feature a Keynote by New
Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver as well as a Panel Discussion.

The panel will be moderated by Fatima Heyward, Reproductive Justice and Community Partnerships
Manager at Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey, and feature
Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson of the 15th Legislative District, Dr. Nicola Pemberton, MD,
FACOG, and Denise Bolds, the Bold Doula.

In New Jersey, Black mothers are 7x more likely to die from pregnancy complications than white
mothers. Black babies born in New Jersey are 3x more likely to die before their 1st birthday than
white babies. Black maternal health became a focus issue for NJ SPAC in 2019 and our members
advocated in favor of A1079/S703, which was passed by the New Jersey Legislature in March 2021 and
signed into law by Governor Murphy in May 2021.

The Conversation will discuss why Black and white mothers and infants experience such different
health outcomes, the impact on all New Jerseyans, and how individuals can make a difference in
their health and that of family, friends, and community members.

Register on the NJ SPAC website at www.jlnjspac.org

About NJ SPAC
The Junior Leagues of New Jersey State Public Affairs Committee is a non-partisan committee
representing the eight Junior Leagues in New Jersey. We advocate for initiatives and legislation
that strengthen the quality of life for women and children in New Jersey and provide training and
education to League members and the public.

JUNIOR LEAGUES OF NEW JERSEY STATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS