Rep. Sewell's Maternal Vaccination Act: Saving Lives

0:00U.S. Representative Terry Soule, from Alabama's 7th District, just introduced the Maternal Vaccination Act. The bill aims to boost vaccination rates for moms and babies to cut down on preventable diseases during and after pregnancy. It's part of a bigger package called the Momney Bus, which includes 14 bills tackling the root causes of maternal deaths across the country. Soule serves on the Black Maternal Health Caucus, and this push comes amid a national crisis. The United States leads high-income nations in maternal mortality, with about 18 deaths per 100,000 live births this year. States like Alabama rank among the worst for risks to pregnant women. The issue hits black women hardest, who face three times the pregnancy-related death rate compared to white women. Yet over 80% of these tragedies could be avoided with better care and prevention efforts. Infections pose extra dangers during pregnancy, and vaccines help shield both mothers and newborns through shared antibodies. The new Act would fund public awareness campaigns and equip health departments and providers

1:04with solid info on vaccine safety and benefits. This includes targeted resources for perinatal workers to spread the word effectively. Longmakers see this as a key step in a long overdue fight, building momentum to save lives and close stubborn gaps in maternal health. Stay informed with Birmingham News Today, AI-powered updates.