Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Young Kim (CA-40), Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) celebrate Bump Day, a global day celebrating expecting mothers and babies.
The Bump Day global campaign raises awareness of maternal health care challenges and the need to end all preventable maternal deaths in the U.S. and around the world.
Last year, the representatives introduced a resolution recognizing Bump Day.
“The United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths of any developed nation. The maternal mortality crisis in our nation is staggering and requires bipartisan action,” said Rep. Young Kim, co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus. “On Bump Day, we raise awareness of the need to end preventable maternal deaths and uplift women, moms-to-be, babies, and families across communities. Pregnancy is a beautiful part of life, and as a mom and grandma, I will do my part as Maternity Care Caucus co-chair to ensure moms and women, regardless of their background or zip code, can access quality care.”
“Every mother, no matter the color of her skin or where she lives, deserves the best of care before, during, and after her pregnancy. As one of the wealthiest nations in the world, there is no reason why we cannot provide the highest quality of care for our mothers,” said Rep. Robin Kelly, co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus. “Bump Day is a powerful reminder of the urgent work we have to do to save lives and close healthcare disparities to support mothers and babies.”
“Today, we celebrate Bump Day and honor expecting mothers and their babies while highlighting the crucial need for quality maternal healthcare. Healthy mothers are the cornerstone of strong families and communities, and we are committed to ending preventable maternal deaths both in the United States and globally,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Bump Day reminds us of the work still needed to address the maternal mortality crisis, especially its disproportionate impact on women of color. Together with Representatives Young Kim and Robin Kelly, we pledge to push for equitable care for all mothers. Let’s celebrate the joys of motherhood and commit to ensuring every family receives the care they and their baby deserve. By working together, we can build a future where no mother faces preventable health challenges during pregnancy.”
“Every mom–no matter where she lives, the color of her skin, or her ability to pay–deserves the care she needs to deliver a safe pregnancy and birth and a healthy future to herself and the baby she loves. That’s not a partisan issue–that’s a human issue. And that’s why the What to Expect Project and I are so proud to work together with Republicans and Democrats to support the #BumpDay resolution and its vital mission: to raise awareness and spur action to finally address the urgent, growing need for better, more equitable and accessible, more respectful and responsive maternal healthcare care for every mom, everywhere. Without disparity, without exception, and without the gaps that currently span hundreds of miles through maternity care deserts, both rural and urban, leaving far too many moms and babies at risk. We’re grateful to Representatives Houlahan, Kim and Kelly for their shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of moms and babies,” said Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Founder of the What to Expect Project.
Rep. Kim has worked on innovative healthcare policies to improve outcomes and expand access to care by:
- Improving stillbirth research and awareness by leading the bipartisan, bicameral Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act with Rep. Kelly;
- Addressing nurse workforce shortages by introducing the bipartisan, bicameral National Nursing Workforce Center Act;
- Supporting maternal care for women in rural areas through the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act with Rep. Kelly;
- Boosting outcomes for screening and treatment of maternal mental health and substance use disorders;
- Supporting resources for domestic violence victims by introducing the bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act, which she also supported in the 117th Congress along with the Violence Against Women Act; and,
- Leading a letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration urging for updates on the effectiveness of the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
