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California bill aims to reduce deaths for Black mothers

Mashariki Kudumu
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California has among the lowest rates of death nationally among pregnant women and new mothers.

But the numbers for Black women tell a different story.

The most recently available state and federal data shows Black women in California were more likely to die during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth than Black women nationally.

Within the state, they're six times more likely to die than white women.

A bill awaiting action by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to change that by requiring more robust data collection on deaths and expanding access to doulas and midwives.