Statement from Dr. Doshie Piper, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Board President, calling on the Texas House to pass HB 12:
“Texas has one of the highest maternal death rates across the U.S. Black mothers are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white mothers. This is a public health crisis, and it’s time for the Texas Legislature to take action.
“House Bill 12 would significantly cut our maternal death rate by allowing Texans with Medicaid to stay covered for a full year after their pregnancies — rather than kicking them off after just two months under current law. That means moms are covered for complications, check-ups, postpartum depression, and more. It also means Texans — especially Black moms — will be better equipped to seek out care, stay healthy, and live full lives.
“TOP urges the Texas Legislature to pass House Bill 12 and invest in the health and well-being of our mothers and families. If we care about the health and well-being of moms in Texas, it’s the right thing to do.”
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About Texas Organizing Project (TOP)
TOP organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Fort Bend counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.
This statement was sent out April 20, 2023.