1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I urge you to support the WELLS Act, a vital step toward strengthening maternal health protections and preventing dangerous hospital discharge practices during labor. This bill would require hospitals to implement a Safe Discharge Labor Plan before sending home any patient showing signs of labor, including documented medical justification, transportation verification, travel distance assessment, and confirmation that the patient fully understands the risks. The WELLS Act is inspired by the tragic and preventable case of Mercedes Wells, who was sent home in active labor and forced to give birth in her truck shortly afterward. Her story reflects a broader pattern of unsafe discharge decisions that disproportionately harm Black mothers and contribute to persistent racial disparities in maternal outcomes. In addition to discharge protections, the bill requires racial bias training for health care professionals, helping address the systemic issues that continue to place women of color at higher risk during pregnancy and childbirth. Passing the WELLS Act would create clear, enforceable safeguards to protect mothers and babies nationwide. I strongly urge you to support this critical legislation and prioritize patient safety and equity in maternal health care.