Shapiro administration highlights efforts to improve care for pregnant women and babies by tackling maternal health issues

PITTSBURGH, March 8, 2024 – Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and Second Lady of Pennsylvania Blayre Holmes Davis, along with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and local and state leaders, visited The Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health to highlight new Shapiro Administration efforts to address maternal health issues and improve care for pregnant women and children, especially among people of color.

Across the nation, the rate of pregnancy-associated deaths has been on the rise in recent years. In Pennsylvania, there are 82 pregnancy-associated deaths per 100,000 live births. Black women are two times more likely to die during or in the first year after a pregnancy than white women.

“The tragic reality is that maternal mortality is far too common in the U.S. and Pennsylvania and disproportionately impacts Black women and their families,” said Dr. Bogen. “Every death of a new mother impacts their entire community. That’s why the Shapiro-Davis Administration is fully committed to tackling maternal health issues affecting women across the state.”

In the current year’s budget, Governor Josh Shapiro secured $2.3 million to study and implement recommendations for preventing maternal mortality. The 2024-25 proposed budget doubles down on that work by investing an additional $2.7 million to address and prevent maternal mortality, especially among Black mothers.