California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement following the Governor's signing of Assembly Bill (AB) 2319. The bill aims to reduce the maternal mortality rate among Black women and other pregnant persons of color by ensuring the successful implementation of Senate Bill 464 (SB 464), also known as the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act of 2019. AB 2319 is co-sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson, Dr. Akilah Weber, and the California Legislative Black Caucus.
“It is painfully clear that we are not doing nearly enough for our nation’s mothers and children, especially those of color, as our country has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries,” said Attorney General Bonta. “No mother should ever have to fear for their health or the well-being of their child. Today’s law will take important steps to continue tackling maternal mortality head-on in California by making significant strides in changing a healthcare system rooted in institutional racism through transparency and accountability. I am deeply grateful to Assemblymembers Wilson and Weber, the entire Black Caucus, and the bill’s co-sponsors, for working with us and their commitment to fighting for equitable healthcare for all Californians.”
Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber stated, “When giving birth, individuals are asked to listen to their bodies and to share that information with the medical professionals caring for them. Unfortunately, concerns surrounding discomfort or pain are not taken as seriously when they are made by persons of color, specifically black persons. We have lost too many individuals during the process of bringing life into this world – deaths that were avoidable. AB 2319 ensures that when a pregnant person speaks up, that message is heard by all staff providing perinatal care.”
Assemblymember Lori Wilson expressed gratitude towards Governor Newsom for signing AB 2319: "I am deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 2319, a bill that will help save lives by addressing the alarming racial disparities in maternal healthcare outcomes. I also want to thank Attorney General Rob Bonta for his commitment to ensuring compliance and transparency, and my colleague, Assemblymember Akilah Weber, for her leadership and unwavering partnership in advancing this legislation. As a priority for both the California Legislative Black Caucus and the Women's Caucus, this bill represents a critical step forward in ensuring that all people, regardless of their race or identity, receive equitable and unbiased care. Together, we are making real progress in protecting the health and well-being of mothers and babies across our state."
The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries—a burden disproportionately borne by communities of color, particularly Black women. In California specifically, Black women represent 5% of those pregnant but account for 21% of pregnancy-related deaths across all income levels. Evidence suggests implicit bias among healthcare providers is a key factor contributing to this disparity.
The new legislation builds on efforts by the California Department of Justice to ensure healthcare facilities comply fully with SB 464. This includes requiring hospitals and clinics to conduct evidence-based implicit bias training for all health professionals involved in perinatal care.
A press conference was held on February 12th earlier this year by Attorney General Bonta alongside members of the California Legislative Black Caucus highlighting this legislation's importance.
The text of AB 2319 is available online.