ICYMI: ‘My Own Story Is One Of Survival’: DSCC Deputy Gets Personal In New Video Connecting Abortion Restrictions And Maternal Health Outcomes [Newsone]
For some people fighting to protect and expand reproductive health and abortion includes increasing Democratic control of the Senate to ensure the passage of legislation that would codify the right to have an abortion.
In a new video, Jessica Knight-Henry, deputy executive director at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), draws a connection between abortion bans and increased restrictions on maternal health outcomes.
“States with more abortion restrictions have higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, which disproportionately affects Black women and their families,” Knight-Henry began. “Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, and overturning Roe will only worsen this crisis. My own story is one of survival. And I know I’m one of the lucky ones. That I’m not another Black maternal mortality statistic.”
An August 2021 study from Tulane documented the relationship between abortion restrictions and higher maternal mortality rates. Sharing her personal story, Knight-Henry explained that she had postpartum symptoms of heart palpitations that her physician ignored until it was almost too late.
“A few months after giving birth and returning to the workforce, I went to my doctor and expressed concerns because I was having severe symptoms and heart palpitations. I was told I was overreacting,” Knight-Henry shared. “Three months later, I underwent my first of two heart procedures after being diagnosed with pregnancy-induced heart failure.”
A study released in December 2020 found that Black pregnant women were still significantly more likely to have heart-related complications during pregnancy when compared to white women, even when controlling for economic status.
Knight-Henry told NewsOne that this fight is personal to her.
“I was nearly another Black maternal mortality statistic, and my own story isn’t unique: banning abortion and restricting access to health care services will have especially dire consequences for Black women and women of color across our country,” Knight-Henry said. “Voters know that the stakes of this election have never been higher. Senate Republicans have spent months campaigning on overturning Roe v. Wade – and the November election will now determine whether the GOP will be able to impose cruel new punishments and restrictions on women.”
An analysis from the Center for Reproductive Rights provides a side-by-side comparison of restrictions by state with the supportive policies for maternal health. The data shows this is a time for expanding access to reproductive care, including abortion, not restricting or eliminating it.
Knight-Henry shared that voters can prioritize reproductive health by supporting Democratic candidates running for Senate in upcoming elections.
“Voters will stand with Democrats to protect and expand our Senate majority and keep these intimate, personal health care decisions between a woman and her doctor,” she said.
