Implicit biases in health care are costing Black moms — and their babies — their lives. But we have a chance to fight this health crisis in the state of California. California bill SB 464, the Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act, will change the kind of health care Black moms receive in California. One of the first legislations of its kind, the Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act aims to reduce preventable, pregnancy-related deaths and severe illnesses associated with disparities in health care. By requiring medical institutions to train staff to unlearn biases and misinformation, and by tracking deaths in which the woman was pregnant within 42-365 days of death, this bill will more comprehensively prepare health care providers to care for and gather data related to mothers and the challenges they face.

But this bill has hit a major obstacle. The Department of Finance has tagged The Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act as "too costly." But $348,000 should not be the reason why Black moms don't get the care and respect they deserve.

The Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act has the power to save the lives of Black moms and their babies. Join us in sending letters to California Assembly Member Gonzalez to tell her why you support SB 464: The Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act.