The New York City Council's Stated Meeting on October 10, 2024, focused heavily on addressing the urgent issue of maternal health and mortality. Speaker of the Council emphasized the critical need for action, highlighting the alarming racial disparities in maternal mortality rates. Black women in New York City are six times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to their white counterparts, a statistic that underscores the ongoing injustice in maternal healthcare.

During the meeting, the Speaker called for a coordinated effort among various stakeholders, including city, state, and federal officials, healthcare providers, and community organizations, to tackle this public health emergency. The council aims to create political will and collaborative solutions to combat maternal mortality, which is largely preventable.

The council also voted on several bills aimed at improving maternal health services. These include measures to enhance support for prenatal and postnatal visits and to provide delivery assistance through doulas. Additionally, a bill sponsored by Council Member Farrah Lewis will require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to publish annual information regarding maternal mortality and morbidity. Another bill will mandate employers to inform new hires about their lactation room policies, ensuring better support for breastfeeding mothers.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to continue oversight and legislative efforts to improve maternal health outcomes, reinforcing the message that no mother should die from preventable causes. The council's actions reflect a growing recognition of maternal health as a critical issue that requires immediate and sustained attention.