The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Black Maternal Health Caucus launched a year-long Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative to address maternal mortality and maternal health disparities in partnership with mothers, grantees, community organizations, and state and local health officials.

Doctors on Thursday urged Congress to pass legislation addressing the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality throughout the country and to lower barriers that have hindered people of color from becoming medical professionals.

After years of high rates, the country hit a new high during the pandemic, far exceeding rates in other developed nations. Black women are at especially high risk.