1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

I am urging Governor Ivey to take two critical steps to protect Alabama mothers and families: support the implementation of the bipartisan Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act and fully expand Medicaid. Our state has the highest maternal mortality rate in the country. I thank her for signing the Alabama Maternal Healthcare Care Act and the Rural Health Transformation Program. However, our rural hospitals need systemic, ongoing support. Senator Britt is a co-sponsor of the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act that will provide training and telehealth tools to struggling rural emergency rooms. However, these emergency measures work best if patients have consistent healthcare. I urge Governor Ivey to use her authority to expand Medicaid. This would cover nearly 300,000 uninsured Alabamians, keep our remaining rural hospitals from closing, and ensure that mothers and families receive continuous healthcare. Please know that Alabama’s constituents want Alabama to be a safe place to give birth and raise a family.