Gov. Josh Stein stood with advocates at the Executive Mansion on Wednesday to mark Black Maternal Health Week, and used the event to call on the General Assembly to close a $319 million Medicaid funding gap when they return to Raleigh next week.
“If we do not fully fund Medicaid soon, health care for millions of North Carolinians could be in jeopardy, and the entire health care system weakens,” Stein said.
The event brought together lawmakers and advocates who highlighted persistent racial disparities in maternal health outcomes that are impacting not just black women in North Carolina, but across the country.
Stein noted that Black women are twice as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related complications in North Carolina, regardless of their income or education. “While there is no single solution, strengthening Medicaid and our healthcare system is essential,” Stein said.
Health officials and advocates said many pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented with earlier intervention, better access to care and stronger coordination across the health system.
Advocates also highlighted community-based services aimed at filling gaps in care, including doula support, mental health services, transportation assistance and nutrition support.
