March 26, 2020
HealthConnect One’s Statement on Historic COVID-19 relief package
We commend the Senate for passing a historic COVID-19 relief package – $2 trillion aimed at helping Americans, hospitals and businesses deal with COVID-19.
HealthConnect One welcomes this investment in our nation, in particular the provisions that have vulnerable communities in mind. However, we encourage all leaders who will oversee stimulus funding spending to keep in mind the birthing families who are facing great hardship in these uncertain times.
As COVID-19 strains our healthcare infrastructure, pregnant women are facing severe isolation at a time where familial and community support is critical in birth outcomes. Our nation’s communities of color, particularly Black mothers, need extra support at this time when they already are experiencing some of the most adverse birth outcomes in the world.
We call on administrators and legislators to remember birthing families in their COVID-19 planning. We ask that they protect doula care – mothers need to know they will be able to rely on the doulas they’ve asked to help at their births, for example by including accommodations such as videoconferencing into a hospital for doula care.
We stand with birthing families, with doulas, community health workers and peer counselors who counsel and advocate for mothers, babies and families: Our safety and security and the welfare of our nation demand resources for our communities.