Warnock, Adams Reintroduce the Kira Johnson Act to Address the Maternal Mortality Crisis

Recently, Senator Reverend Warnock and Representative Alma Adams reintroduced the Kira Johnson Act

The legislation would provide funding to community-based organizations leading the charge to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women

Black women are 3.5 times more likely to die during childbirth than white women in America

Senator Reverend Warnock: "The rate of maternal mortality is a moral stain on our country"

Washington, D.C. - Recently, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12) introduced the Kira Johnson Act, legislation that funds community-based organizations working to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women. The legislation creates a five-year, $500 million grant program at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) to improve service and reduce bias, racism, and discrimination in maternal care settings. The Kira Johnson Act is also one of fourteen bills included in the bicameral Momnibus Act, legislation aimed at addressing every factor in maternal mortality.

"The rate of maternal mortality is a moral stain on our country," said Senator Reverend Warnock. "Black women are particularly at risk in the state of Georgia, where they are three to four times more likely to die from complications related to childbirth or pregnancy than their white sisters. I'm proud to partner with Senator Booker and Rep. Adams in including this legislation in our broader effort to protect all mothers and babies. We can't get this done soon enough."

"Kira Johnson is one of the many women who we have lost too soon," said Congresswoman Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus."It's been 10 years since Kira Johnson's death, yet Black women are still two to three times more likely than white moms to die in childbirth. Eighty percent of those deaths are preventable. We need to close the Black maternal health gap. Black moms matter, Kira Johnson matters, and we need Congress to stand up and take real action by passing the Kira Johnson Act."

This bill is named after Kira Johnson, a 36-year-old Black woman who died in 2016 from complications following her cesarean section that was performed in 17 minutes. Johnson complained about severe pain, but doctors ignored her. 12 hours later, she died.

"As we approach 10 years since Kira lost her life giving the gift of life, I am deeply honored to see the Kira Johnson Act reintroduced and to witness the continued momentum behind the full Momnibus package," said Charles Johnson, husband of Kira Johnson and founder of 4Kira4Moms. "What began as a personal tragedy has become a powerful movement to protect mothers, babies, and families across this country. Today, I am more hopeful than ever. I believe people across this nation, regardless of political affiliation, are tired of seeing mothers and babies failed by broken systems."

Black women are 3.5 times more likely to die from childbirth than white women in America. These deaths - and others like Kira Johnson's - are preventable. Additionally, the Kira Johnson Act would establish Respectful Maternity Care Compliance Programs, which would allow postpartum patients to report instances of bias or disrespect within hospitals.

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