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It's dangerous to be pregnant in Louisiana.
Yesterday, The Advocate wrote an article about reproductive health issues that affect women in Louisiana. These risks will dramatically increase now that abortion is prohibited. Fewer women will be able to terminate risky pregnancies, physicians will be more hesitant to provide care, & more will self manage an abortion. All of these issues are exacerbated by poverty, racism, access to health care, & domestic violence, among other factors.
In 2021, I passed legislation that expanded Medicaid for new mothers to one year after birth. Previously, some mothers lost Medicaid care just 60 days post partum.
Because of this legislation, Louisiana became the first state in the country to expand Medicaid coverage for 100% of new mothers to a year after birth. This program also resulted in an increased investment in maternal health in Louisiana of $20 million more per year. But more needs to be done.
It's more critical now than ever that women and anyone who is pregnant receive the care that they need, when they need it. And that means having people in elected office who understand this and work for these improvements. I have a lot of experience, and success, in working on women's health issues - read more here.
My constant advocacy for women's health has earned me my newest nickname from the state's foremost right wing trash blog: "Abortion Barbie." It might be my favorite nickname yet. If you're on Twitter, go vote in my poll. ("Louisiana AOC" is my secret favorite.)
PS Have you seen Louisiana Congressional candidate Katie Darling's video, where she shows herself in labor? She chose to tell her story, herself, and for that I applaud her. For too long, politicians in Louisiana have used women's bodies to score political points and get votes. That stops now.
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