Lawmakers Demand More Action After Shocking Testimony
After being discharged from the hospital while in labor, Mercedes Wells gave birth along a road in a Chevrolet Silverado after her health concerns were dismissed by healthcare professionals.
At a House Majority Policy Committee hearing hosted by the Black Maternal Health Caucus, lawmakers highlighted the disparate outcomes facing Black mothers, who are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers.
"This is not a hearing about a single point of failure. This hearing amplifies the layered challenges across the entire continuum of maternal care — from implicit bias in clinical settings to limited access to prenatal and postpartum services to maternity care deserts in too many communities. The challenges are systemic. No family in Pennsylvania should be forced to worry about losing their life due to pregnancy complications."
— State Rep. Morgan Cephas, Co-Chair, PA Black Maternal Health Caucus
"Black mothers face higher risks, and that is unacceptable. We need a fundamental shift in how the health care system listens to its patients and cares for Black mothers before, during, and after pregnancy. Every mother deserves safe, respectful, and high-quality care. The time to act is now."
— State Rep. Gina H. Curry, Co-Chair, PA Black Maternal Health Caucus
The CEO at the hospital that discharged Wells acknowledged she was discharged moments before giving birth, publicly apologized, promised policy changes and cultural competency training for staff, and noted a doctor and a nurse lost their jobs.
"Black moms are not always heard, and too often, the consequences can be tragic and deadly. Until all lawmakers prioritize targeted legislation, this crisis will continue. That’s why I am introducing the Pennsylvania WELLS Act to keep hospitals accountable for the care they provide."
— State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, Co-Chair, PA Black Maternal Health Caucus
More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable, according to the CDC. The PA Momnibus 2.0 is a comprehensive legislative package consisting of 12 bills, including five bills that have already passed the House. In October 2024, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed two key components of the first PA Momnibus package into law, including Medicaid reimbursement for doula services and a statewide public awareness campaign on postpartum depression.