We, the undersigned, call upon federal agencies and policymakers to take immediate action in response to the alarming maternal mortality crisis disproportionately affecting Black women in America.

The Maternal Health Crisis

Black women in the United States face maternal mortality rates 2.9 times higher than white women, according to the CDC (2019). One contributing factor is environmental chemical exposure—particularly from hair relaxers and straightening products that contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Scientific research has documented alarming links between these products and serious reproductive health conditions:

• A 2012 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a 30% increased risk of uterine fibroids in women using chemical hair straighteners—fibroids that can cause pregnancy complications.
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  A 2018 study in Environmental Research found high levels of hormone-disrupting phthalates in women who frequently used chemical hair products.
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  A 2022 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that women who regularly used chemical hair straighteners were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.

Regulatory Delays and Environmental Justice

Despite these known risks, the FDA has delayed action on banning harmful chemicals in hair products. A proposed ban on formaldehyde in chemical hair straightening products—linked to cancer and other health risks—has been postponed multiple times. Initially scheduled for April 2024, the target date was moved to September 2024 and further delayed following an executive order from President Donald Trump pausing all new regulations.

This inaction has prompted concern among health advocates and lawmakers. In August 2024, U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Shontel Brown, and Nydia Velázquez pressed the FDA to finalize the proposed rule banning formaldehyde in hair straighteners, highlighting the disproportionate impact on Black women.

This constitutes an environmental justice issue, as Black communities are disproportionately exposed to harmful chemicals without adequate regulatory safeguards.

Respect for Autonomy — Protecting Our Children

We do not seek to restrict the choices of adults. Everyone has the right to make informed decisions about their own hair care.

However, we are deeply concerned about products marketed to children—particularly Black girls. These products often contain parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, all known to interfere with hormones and development. Children should not be exposed to these toxins during critical stages of growth.

Economic Exploitation and Maternal Risk

According to Nielsen Consumer Reports (2018), Black women spend nearly three times more on hair care than other groups. This economic burden, combined with disproportionate health risks, compounds maternal health disparities and racial inequities in our healthcare system.

Policy Demands and Accountability Measures

We call for immediate action from Congress, the FDA, and relevant agencies:

1. Remove from the market all hair relaxer products containing parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing agents when marketed for use on children, pending full safety review.
2. Fund NIH research specifically focused on the connection between chemical exposure and Black maternal health risks.
3. Establish a Health Advisory Committee within the FDA with statutory authority to review and regulate the safety of products marketed primarily to Black women and their children.

Call to Action

We urge our nation’s policymakers and public health leaders to act now. The lives of Black women and children are at stake.