As a healthcare company that provides maternal mental health support services, doula care, breastfeeding support and supplies, Aeroflow Healthcare fully supports the passage of Senate Bill 455, also known as the Protecting Moms Who Serve Act. This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study health issues affecting women who serve in the military, including coordinating effectively between veterans health care facilities and non-veterans health care facilities in the delivery of maternity care and other health care services.
Unique Challenges Faced by Pregnant and Postpartum Veterans
Pregnant and postpartum veterans encounter a variety of obstacles that make it difficult to access the comprehensive, high-quality healthcare they deserve. These challenges are often compounded by the unique circumstances of military life, including frequent relocations, deployments, and long periods of separation from loved ones.
According to a study by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), pregnant veterans are more likely to experience mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD than their civilian counterparts. Additionally, pregnant veterans who rely on VA healthcare face barriers to accessing care due to limited availability of VA maternity care providers and long wait times for appointments.
Maternal Mortality Disparities Among BIPOC Military Women
Furthermore, women who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) are disproportionately affected by maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, and this disparity is even more pronounced among military women who identify as BIPOC. According to a report by the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), Black women are two to three times as likely to experience maternal mortality as white women. Access to comprehensive maternal health services is critical to reducing these disparities and improving health outcomes for all mothers who serve in the military.
The Potential Impact of Studying Women’s Health Issues in the Military
Aeroflow Healthcare recognizes the importance of Senate Bill 455, also known as “Protect Moms Who Serve,” and the positive impact it could have on the lives of mothers who serve in the military. As a company that provides maternal health services, including mental health support, lactation support, and supplies, we understand the unique challenges that pregnant and postpartum veterans face in accessing high-quality healthcare services.
This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study health issues affecting women who serve in the military, such as identifying gaps in maternity care services and coordinating between veterans and non-veterans health care facilities. By understanding and addressing these gaps and barriers, this study can improve overall health outcomes for these women.
We commend Senators Applewhite and Smith for their leadership in introducing this critical legislation. As a company that supports the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum veterans, we fully endorse this bill and urge the North Carolina General Assembly to pass this legislation to improve maternal health outcomes for women who serve in the military. Together, we can ensure that all mothers who serve in the military have access to the high-quality healthcare services they need and deserve.
Take Action to Support Veterans Maternal Health Care Today
The Protect Moms Who Serve bill has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of pregnant and postpartum veterans. If you would like to get involved in supporting this bill and advocating for women veterans’ maternal health care, we encourage you to contact your legislators and express your support for the bill.
You can find your local legislators’ contact information through the North Carolina General Assembly’s
website. It’s important to note that legislators may receive a high volume of calls and emails, so consider using social media or attending town hall meetings to share your support for the bill.
In addition to contacting your legislators, you can also get involved with advocacy organizations that support women veterans’ health care, such as the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). These organizations provide resources and information about advocacy efforts and how to get involved.
Together, we can work to ensure that all mothers who serve our country have access to the high-quality health care services they need and deserve.
This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study health issues affecting women who serve in the military, such as identifying gaps in maternity care services and coordinating between veterans and non-veterans health care facilities. By understanding and addressing these gaps and barriers, this study can improve overall health outcomes for these women.
We commend Senators Applewhite and Smith for their leadership in introducing this critical legislation. As a company that supports the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum veterans, we fully endorse this bill and urge the North Carolina General Assembly to pass this legislation to improve maternal health outcomes for women who serve in the military. Together, we can ensure that all mothers who serve in the military have access to the high-quality healthcare services they need and deserve.
