By Nelson A. King
Brooklyn Assemblymember
Diana C. Richardson
says that her bill ensuring
pregnant women and new
mothers are provided with
information about issues
and complications that could
lead to maternal mortality
has been signed into law.
“The journey to motherhood
should be an exciting
and joyous time in a woman’s
life; but, all too often, it
ends in tragedy,” said Richardson,
who represents the
43rd Assembly District in
Brooklyn.
“It is absolutely shameful
that, in one of the most
medically-advanced nations
in the world, we continue to
see women lose their lives
during pregnancy or from
childbirth,” added the daughter
of Aruban and St. Martin
immigrants. “This new law
will ensure every woman in
New York is given information
about complications
that may seem harmless but
could put their lives at risk,
so we can keep more women
safe.”
“This new law will empower
mothers with vital information
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so that they can
make informed medical decisions
and advocate for themselves.
It is appalling to see
such deep racial disparities
in maternal mortality rates,
especially in New York City,”
said Senate bill sponsor Sen.
Velmanette Montgomery.
“I thank my colleague,
Assemblymember Richardson
for her leadership on this
critical issue,” she added.
“We have addressed one piece
of the puzzle with this legislation.
I look forward to continuing
to work with her and
our colleagues in the Legislature
to tackle this crisis.”
Richardson – whose district
encompasses Crown
Heights, Prospect Lefferts
Gardens, Wingate and East
Flatbush – said maternal
deaths have steadily risen in
the US since 1987, from 7.2
per 100,000 live births to 18
in 2014.
In New York, she said the
rates are even worse, adding
that “there’s also a severe
racial disparity, with maternal
mortality rates significantly
higher among Black
women, who are four times
more likely to die in childbirth
than white women in
New York State.”
“And, alarmingly, the
inequality begins early in a
Black woman’s pregnancy,
with her legitimate concerns
and symptoms more likely to
be ignored, and the health
care system less likely to
offer her support or empowerment,”
said Richardson,
who currently serves on
the Committee on Banking;
the Committee on Corporations,
Authorities and Commissions;
the Committee on
Mental Health; and the Committee
on Small Business.
“This new law would help
combat this alarming trend
by requiring information
Assemblywoman Diana Richardson.
Assemblywoman Diana Richardson
about issues that can lead to
maternal death be provided
to the public,” she added.
“Ensuring that all pregnant
women and new mothers are
aware of possible complications
is a basic step that may
save lives.”
Richardson’s bill to protect
new mothers signed into law
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