OPINION: Alaska’s congressional delegation should act to help families

Each member of our congressional delegation here in Alaska has stated their commitment to supporting policies that reduce substance-use disorders, help prevent interpersonal violence, and protect our children and the future of our state. Now they have a real opportunity to improve the health and well-being of millions of families and save lives by supporting passage of bipartisan, affordable and commonsense solutions.

At the center of this work is the “Momnibus Act,” which would invest in addressing the social determinants of health contributing to maternal mortality, including by strengthening the perinatal workforce and providing health care workers with the tools and training necessary to confront discriminatory and biased practices. Additionally, we need Congress to guarantee 12 months of continuous postpartum Medicaid coverage to new moms nationwide.

Postpartum coverage is particularly important in Alaska where already high maternal mortality rates are seeing a stark increase. In 2021, the rate of maternal deaths was more than double the prior 10-year average. Each of these deaths is thoroughly reviewed by the Alaska Maternal and Child Death Review program, a multi-disciplinary, independent committee of subject matter experts who use an evidence-based process to examine the factors and causes of each maternal death in Alaska. Our health care system and the many excellent providers in hospitals and community based birth centers work hard to keep mothers safe during childbirth and immediately after childbirth. Due to this and other protective factors, it is rare for women to die during childbirth or from obstetric causes in the days and weeks immediately following birth. However, Alaska loses far too many women in the first year after giving birth from causes such as interpersonal violence, untreated perinatal mental health conditions, and substance use. The vast majority of these deaths are considered preventable by experts.

It is also important to note that these causes of death are highly related to one another: If mothers of infants are in – and are unable to safely escape – relationships or homes in which they are in danger, this can contribute significantly to mental health disorders and substance use disorders. A very simple solution that could make a very big difference would be to extend Medicaid coverage in every state to include 12 months postpartum. If mothers have continuous coverage after they give birth, they’re more likely to get the screenings, supports and interventions to keep themselves and their children safe and healthy. Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (which often present in the months after the six-week postpartum check-up) are treatable, and do not have to lead to suicide or substance abuse disorders. However, they are treatable only if mothers have access to diagnosis and care. Likewise, there are options to find safety when in unsafe relationships or housing situations, but only if mothers have access to support and care.

The United States has the highest rates of maternal mortality in the industrialized world, and these rates are rising. There has also been a specific rise in rates of homicide committed against pregnant and postpartum women. We’ve also seen an increase in the already egregious racial disparities in terms of which mothers are dying -- with Black mothers dying at three times the rate of white mothers, and significantly more Alaska Native and American Indian mothers dying as well. At a national level and here in Alaska, we clearly need policy to address the socio-economic and systemic problems that contribute to disparities. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act will do that.

The Momnibus Act would invest in addressing the social determinants of health contributing to maternal mortality, including by strengthening the perinatal workforce and providing health care workers with the tools and training necessary to confront discriminatory and biased practices. Additionally, Congress needs to vote quickly to guarantee 12-month of postpartum Medicaid coverage to new moms and pass broader measures to strengthen Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to ensure mothers and children have the health care they need to thrive. Alaska deserves a bright future, but that future can only be realized if we provide proper care for our mothers and children. We are calling on our federal delegation to act quickly to do this.

Laura Norton-Cruz is a licensed master social worker (LMSW), mother of two young children, and co-lead of Growing Alaska Leaders, a grassroots coalition of more than 600 parents and caregivers advocating for family and child-friendly policies.

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