04/26/2026
This is what happens when women lead! Go Virginia!
"Today, I signed the Momnibus -- a package of bills to improve and expand healthcare coverage for mothers and families. No mother should have to fear dying during or after childbirth. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, and we know Black women are at particularly high risk... I am proud to sign this legislation into law." - Governor Abigail Spanberger
The United States is the most dangerous wealthy country in the world to give birth. American women die from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes at a rate of 22 per 100,000 live births -- compared to roughly 3 in Sweden, 1 in Switzerland, and zero in Norway in 2022, according to the most recent international comparison from the Commonwealth Fund. For Black women in the U.S., the rate jumps to nearly 50 deaths per 100,000 -- nearly three times the rate for White women.
By signing the Momnibus into law on Wednesday, Governor Spanberger is taking direct aim at that crisis. The package of four bipartisan bills -- shepherded by Sen. L. Louise Lucas, Del. Margaret Franklin, Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling, and Del. Laura Jane Cohen -- will expand maternal mental health screenings for new and expecting mothers, expand Medicaid coverage for the remote monitoring of high-risk pregnancies, build a statewide reporting system to track severe maternal complications, and direct the Commonwealth to design a comprehensive maternal health safety initiative.
Together, these forward-thinking laws will make Virginia's maternal health system stronger, smarter, and more equitable -- and bring the Commonwealth closer to the day when no mother has to fear dying in childbirth.
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To introduce children to trailblazing female political leaders in the U.S. -- both historically and in modern times -- visit our blog post, “Remember the Ladies: 25 Children's Books on Women in Politics” at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=11162
For books for children and teens about the importance of standing up for truth, decency, and justice, even in dark times, visit our blog post, "Dissent Is Patriotic: 50 Books About Women Who Fought for Change," at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=14364
And for our favorite t-shirt honoring women throughout history who were willing to shake up the system, check out the "Well behaved women seldom make history" t-shirt -- available in a variety of styles and colors for all ages -- at https://www.amightygirl.com/well-behaved-women-history-shirt
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