Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler recently wrote in a Columbian op-ed about solving the problem of maternity deaths (“Herrera Beutler: Fight needs to continue for better health care solution,” April 5). It is a laudable goal but I am concerned that her solution is about creating committees. I find that totally unacceptable. A feel-good gesture with no substance.
We already know significant steps that can be taken to decrease maternity deaths: Fully funded reproductive and maternal health care and the means to access that care.
We also know what doesn’t help: Cutting funds for reproductive health care and reducing the number of people with insurance. For example, Texas defunded Planned Parenthood, thousands of women lost access to birth control, and their maternal mortality has doubled. I am horrified.
Committees are fine as long as that money is not taking away from other services. More importantly, we must make sure people keep insurance coverage and that Planned Parenthood continues to be funded.
