Virginia’s maternal mortality rate more than doubled between 2018 and 2020, from 37.1 deaths to 86.6 deaths per 100,000. In Virginia, Black women experience higher rates of pregnancy-associated deaths compared to their White counterparts. Black infants are dying before their first birthday at a rate almost double the rate of other babies. High quality care is integral to improving maternal and infant mortality. Unconscious/implicit bias is directly correlated with lower quality of care.

Virginia must make evidence-based unconscious bias and cultural competency training a criterion for licensing for all health care professionals licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine and the Virginia Board of Nursing. Unconscious bias training can ensure that health care professionals treat all patients equally.

To sign the letter, click on Tell your Senator to vote YES on SB 35.

To support the Child Tax Credit (CTC) that lifts millions of American families out of poverty and helps them live according to their dignity and with greater economic security,  click on Take Action Now.

The United States of Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) tells us this about needed support for the CTC: 

While the USCCB has long supported the CTC, the current credit must be improved because it excludes many poor children. As Congress works on a new tax package, we must encourage them to support children and families by passing a strengthened CTC that prioritizes the poorest children.  Improving the credit in this way ensures that the lowest-income families have access to full benefits that foster the welcoming of new life and the building of the family. 

To support the Child Tax Credit, click on Take Action Now.