Release: As Georgia's Maternal Mortality Rate Worsens, Abrams the Only Candidate with Plans to Address Maternal Health Crisis

Statement

Last week, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that not only was Georgia ranked 50 out of 50 states when it comes to maternal mortality in recent years, but our state's maternal mortality rate has actually worsened. Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee and Former House Democratic Leader Stacey Abrams is the only candidate with plans to address Georgia's maternal health crisis.

The maternal death rate in Georgia has worsened from 20.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births eight years ago, to at least 37.2 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, though state officials believe the actual number may be even higher. Despite this growing crisis, Brian Kemp continues to reject Medicaid expansion, and voted to allow insurance companies to deny guaranteed health care coverage for women with certain preexisting conditions.

Abrams released the following statement in response to the AJC's report:

"Our state is in crisis; Georgia's high maternal and infant mortality rates highlight the importance of access to quality, affordable health care for Georgia mothers and children throughout our state. I am the only candidate to make maternal health a centerpiece of my health care platform. As governor, I will reduce our maternal and infant mortality rates by funding rural hospitals, expanding Medicaid, and leveraging state and federal programs to incentivize doctors and medical personnel to live in under-served communities."

Stacey Abrams' comprehensive Health Care Platform calls for additional resources to support maternal health. Abrams understands that we must coordinate state resources with research and service partners to improve the lives of mothers and their children.

Background: Women's Health

Maternal Health. Stacey Abrams will work to address Georgia's high maternal and infant mortality rates.

More than half of Georgia counties do not have an OB-GYN provider, 64 lack a pediatrician, and in recent years our state has had the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation. Abrams understands a holistic approach to increasing access to high quality care is needed to provide better outcomes for our mothers and babies. Funding rural hospitals via Medicaid expansion is a crucial first step in addressing this issue. Stacey will also leverage state and federal programs to incentivize more doctors and medical personnel to locate in under-served areas and reduce our maternal and infant mortality rates.

Reproductive health. Stacey Abrams helped lead the fight to protect reproductive health care access in Georgia and will continue to stand firm for reproductive rights as governor.

Under Stacey's leadership, no TRAP (Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers) legislation has passed Georgia, and she has been recognized as a Living Legend by Planned Parenthood of the Southeast, a recipient of the national Champion for Women's Health Award from Planned Parenthood Action Fund and received local support from the Feminist Women's Health Center.

Source