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Ayala Releases Plan to Protect Black Mothers and to End Racial Disparities in Healthcare Outcomes
Plan calls for implicit bias training for healthcare professionals, pregnancy medical homes, increased funding for doulas, and a universal paid family and medical leave program
Woodbridge, VA — Delegate Hala Ayala, Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, released her plan to address racial disparities in maternal mortality rates as we commemorate National Black Maternal Health Week.
Too often Black women are not heard when they speak with their doctor about concerns or pre-existing conditions, and for that reason, it is no surprise that Black women are twice as likely to suffer from life-threatening pregnancy complications, are 4 times as likely to die during birth, and are 9 times more likely to lose a pregnancy. High rates of Black maternal mortality span every income and education level, and the CDC noted that up to 60% of these deaths are preventable.
The fight to end racial disparities for our Black mothers and infants is personal to Ayala. While giving birth to her son, Ayala suffered from complications and almost died. As Lieutenant Governor, Ayala will build on Governor Northam’s work to eliminate racial disparities in maternal mortality by 2025, and she will bring Virginia into the top 10 states with the lowest maternal mortality rate with bold initiatives to protect Virginia mothers.
Ayala’s plan includes:
- Implementing required implicit bias training for our healthcare providers in Virginia,
- Establishing pregnancy medical homes to connect high-risk women with health and social services,
- Increasing access to doula care, and
- Creating a universal paid family and medical leave program in Virginia.
“When I had my son, I did not have access to paid leave or healthcare,” said Ayala. “I know the fear and the struggles that many Virginia mothers, especially mothers of color, face as we are pregnant and give birth. We are facing a crisis, and to address these problems, we need bold solutions, which is why I am proud to release my plan today to address these disparities in outcomes.”
You can read more about Ayala’s plan and her record here.
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Delegate Hala Ayala is running for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia with a vision for a strong, just, and prosperous future for the Commonwealth. Ayala, who would be the first woman and first Afro-Latina to hold the position, embodies the bridge between Virginia’s past and its future, as well as the bridge between struggle and success that many Virginia families face. Learn more at HalaForVirginia.com.
Paid for by Hala for Virginia
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