South OC Times

U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) marked Bump Day, a global event dedicated to celebrating expecting mothers and babies, by highlighting the importance of maternal health care.

Bump Day is part of a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about the challenges in maternal health care and the necessity to eliminate preventable maternal deaths both in the United States and worldwide. Last year, these 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.”

Rep. Robin Kelly emphasized equitable healthcare for all mothers: “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 Kelly. “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.”

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan underscored the significance of quality maternal healthcare: “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,” Houlahan stated. “Bump Day reminds us of the work still needed to address the maternal mortality crisis, especially its disproportionate impact on women of color."

Heidi Murkoff, author of "What to Expect When You’re Expecting" and founder of the What to Expect Project added: “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... That’s not a partisan issue–that’s a human issue.” She expressed gratitude towards Representatives Houlahan, Kim, and Kelly for their commitment.

Rep. Kim has been active in advocating for innovative healthcare policies aimed at improving outcomes and expanding access:

- Leading bipartisan efforts such as Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act with Rep. Kelly.

- Addressing nurse workforce shortages through initiatives like National Nursing Workforce Center Act.

- Supporting rural women's maternal care via Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act with Rep. Kelly.

- Enhancing screening/treatment for maternal mental health/substance use disorders.

- Introducing bipartisan Family Violence Prevention/Services Improvement Act.

- Urging updates on National Maternal Mental Health Hotline effectiveness.