Welcome to the February edition of WCPI’s Monthly Dispatch! We stand together to honor Black History Month, recognizing the many contributions of Black women. Simultaneously, we know that Black women face extraordinary health inequities. This month is also American Heart Month. Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women and the leading cause of maternal death in the United States.
For Black women, the crisis is paramount: nearly 6 percent of Black women aged 20 or older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, and they are almost 4 times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This health crisis underscores the legacy of pioneers like Dr. Myra Adele Logan, who in 1943, became the first woman to perform open-heart surgery, paving the way for Black women to lead the charge in cardiac medicine.
Our mission at WCPI is simple – to provide a bipartisan space where women policymakers can collaborate on the issues that affect women and their families the most. This newsletter is your resource for policy developments and events that are shaping the landscape of women’s health.
Clinical Spotlight – Heart Health is Maternal Health
Did you know that complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, are considered “nature’s stress test”? These conditions are early warning signs for cardiovascular disease later in life.
According to researchers, the fourth trimester (12 weeks after delivery and beyond) is a critical window for identifying and addressing long-term heart conditions. However, stark disparities remain: Black women are 3-4x times and Native American women are 2-3x more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to White women.
To mitigate these risks and improve outcomes for women, it is important that women have access to specialized care, patient education, and proactive intervention.
Leadership Spotlight: Bipartisan Women’s Caucus
Congresswoman Underwood is a registered nurse and the co-founder (and co-chair) of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. This caucus was built alongside Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) to address our nation’s ongoing maternal health crisis within the Black community while advancing policy solutions to improve these outcomes.
Policy & Legislation to Watch:
- The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 3305), led by Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last Congress. It is likely to be re-introduced during the 119th Congress. This act includes 13 standalone bills to solve our nation’s maternal health crisis. Since its introduction, several provisions have passed in various policy vehicles with strong bipartisan support.
- The Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1909), led by Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), and Robin Kelly (D-IL) had core provisions included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes support for State-based maternal mortality review committees and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disseminate best practices on maternal mortality prevention to practitioners.
- The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act (H.R. 1254), led by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) was introduced during the 119th Congress with bipartisan support. This bill creates and expands federal grant programs within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to increase capacity to provide emergency obstetric health services in rural areas or areas without practitioners or facilities specializing in obstetric services.
Click here to learn more about the contributions of Black women serving in Congress!
Upcoming WCPI Events
HHS Conference Alert: National Summit on Women’s Health
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is hosting the inaugural National Conference on Women’s Health from March 11-13, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
According to HHS, this event will explore breakthroughs in research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of health conditions that affect women across their lifespan.
Registration is required, so be sure to save your spot for this historical gathering.
WCPI’s 2026 Annual Congressional Gala Reception will be held on April 22, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Each year, this event brings together high-ranking administration and federal agency officials, corporate and labor supporters, senior congressional staff, leaders from national women’s organizations, and individual supporters to celebrate WCPI’s mission of advancing women in leadership and shaping public policy.
Thank You!
As always, if your office or organization is interested in partnering with WCPI, hosting an event, or suggesting topics for future briefings, we’re just a message away.
Warmly,
Jennifer Lockwood-Shabat
President
Women’s Congressional Policy Institute