The maternal health crisis in Tennessee is personal to us. Over the past years, we have witnessed a shocking increase in maternal mortality rates, doubling from 15.5 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 to 29.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020 (Tennessee Department of Health, 2020). 

This alarming trend is further exacerbated by racial disparities with Black women being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white women (America's Health Rankings, 2022). 

What is even more heartbreaking is that over sixty percent of these maternal deaths are preventable (Tennessee Maternal Mortality Review Committee, 2021). It is clear that our current system is NOT working as the State of Tennessee has a maternal health report card grade of D—Immediate action needs to be taken.

This petition aims for three crucial changes:

1. To provide funding for community organizations working tirelessly towards improving maternal outcomes across Tennessee.

2. To establish a dedicated Tennessee Maternal Health Advisory Board tasked with reviewing data and identifying disparities; this board will also make recommendations on funding needs to reduce the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity.

3. To increase access to maternal health care and holistic care options to families in rural counties experiencing maternal healthcare deserts. 

By implementing innovative payment models incentivizing high-quality maternity care such as fiscal sponsorship and matching costs of services, we can ensure better outcomes for mothers and families across the state.

We cannot afford any more preventable losses due to inadequate maternity care services, cultural incompetency or lack of access thereof. We urge lawmakers, medical professionals and providers at all levels: local, state and federal to take immediate action towards improving maternal health outcomes in Tennessee.

Pregnancy Related Death Outcomes in the State of Tennessee:

West TN: 46.9%

Middle TN: 32%

East TN: 30.6% 

—————

Meet the policy curators, registered lobbyists, with Senator London Lamar of Memphis as the initial bill sponsor.

Meet Alexis Alsup, owner of Empowered Doula Services and a student midwife, representing as the only black midwife in the Knox County community. 

Meet Femeika Elliott, Founder of The Lotus Program Experience, a holistic meal service and women’s wellness program for mothers prenatal and postpartum to include women who experience infertility and common reproductive womb ailments.

Please sign this petition today – let’s work together towards a healthier future for all families and mothers-to-be!

**If you would like to contribute donations directly contact us, DO NOT donate through this petition.

Means for donations are listed below: 

Venmo Link: Venmo

Cash app Link: Cash app

PayPal Link: PayPal

All donations go towards our travel expenses as we are expected to travel to Nashville for session weekly February to April 2024 upon assignment of a bill number. 

For additional questions about this legislation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Knoxvilleblackmaternalhealth@gmail.com 

In Solidarity, Alexis & Femeika