“No mother should have to fear dying during or after childbirth, and no family should have to endure the pain of losing a mother to an avoidable death. Today, we are taking decisive action to make sure more women across Virginia can get the care they need at all stages of pregnancy,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate compared to any other high-income country, and we know Black women are at far greater risk than the rest of our neighbors. I am deeply grateful for the years of work by leaders in the General Assembly to address these challenges, and I am proud to sign this legislation into law to protect Virginia mothers.”
“These new laws make sure mothers can get the care they deserve and children have the best start in life,” said Senator L. Louise Lucas, Co-Chair, Virginia Black Maternal Health Caucus. “Too many mothers, especially Black mothers, are facing life-threatening and high-risk childbirth. Virginia’s maternal mortality rate is one of the highest in the nation. By getting this legislation signed inti law, we are fulfilling a moral duty today to protect mothers and their children from harm.”
