‘It’s structural racism, sexism’: Maternal health care advocates speak out against Medicaid cuts

If Congress lets ACA subsidies expire, insurance premiums will skyrocket for millions of people. It would worsen the ongoing maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. – especially for Black women. “It is structural racism [and] sexism,” said Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, Founder and President of the National Birth Equity Collaborative. Actress and maternal health advocate Tatyana Ali agreed with Perry, sharing that she personally experienced race-based violence and trauma while giving birth to her first child. “I always say that my story is one drop in a bucket that has been overflowing for a very long time, for generations,” Ali said. “There are historical reasons we're not listened to. More and more, we have maternal deserts in this country.”