Assemblywoman Latrice Walker joined “In Focus” to discuss black maternal care in the “In Focus” medical check-up.
Elected in 2014 in a special election, she’s been a champion for reproductive rights and services in New York and is the sponsor of the children and recovering mothers (CHARM) act in the assembly. The bill would provide guidance, education and assistance to healthcare providers caring for expectant mothers with a substance use disorder.
It would also provide for the screening of newborns for substance use exposure. The bill currently sits in the health committee.
Born in Brownsville and raised in Prospect Plaza, Walker explains why this bill is so important for racial and ethnic minority groups and discusses the Black Maternal Omnibus Act introduced to Congress.
Research shows black women in New York are five times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts. As a member of the task force on women’s issues, Walker explains how the city is working to bridge that gap and ensure every New Yorker, no matter their zip code, has equal access to quality medical care.
Representing Assembly District 55, Walker also discusses her borough’s new behavioral health unit and the provided services.