New legislation in New York City is being introduced to help make sure Black and Brown women get the equitable health care they deserve.
[Ads /]
"I founded Save a Rose Foundation after losing my life partner, Amber Rose Isaac," Bruce Mcintyre said.
Isaac, a Bronx native, was only 26 years old when she died during an emergency C-section in 2020.
ALSO READ | Louis Armstrong's mark in NYC neighborhood continues to grow
Louis Armstrong's mark in NYC neighborhood continues to grow
A few months later, the same thing happened to 26-year-old Sha-Asia Washington of Brooklyn.
"I am tired of this assembly line model of care, where women are being passed down to anyone," Mcintyre said. "That's how Amber died."
[Ads /]
Birth equity was the focus of a Times Square rally Monday afternoon. when Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joined by families who sadly share the tragic outcome of a young Black or Latino mother who died due to pregnancy complications.
"Birth equity is a social justice issue," Williams said. "In New York City, Black women are eight to 12 times more likely to die than white women in childbirth."
Williams has introduced a comprehensive maternal health legislative package. The first bill would establish a bill of rights requiring a number of city agencies to create a public education campaign.
The second bill would require employers to meet with parents and bring them up to speed before returning to work, and Williams introduced a resolution to encourage Congress to fund Black maternal health research.
ALSO READ | Civil War Draft Riot: Orphans caught in middle of racist resistance to fighting
Civil War Draft Riots: Orphans caught in middle of racist resistance to fighting in war
"They've known that Black women are dying for years," birth equity advocate Kimberly Seals Allers said. "But we've had no way to keep folk, hospitals, publicly accountable."
Williams also discussed the many challenges he and his wife have been going through, awaiting the birth of their child any day now.
[Ads /]
"As my baby girl comes into the world, we have to make sure we address this issue before it's her time," he said.
----------
* More Queens news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Submit a News Tip