We write to urge you to act this session to protect Texas families by enabling mothers to keep health insurance for the full 12-months after pregnancy. 

Without the state legislature’s action, Texas women whose pregnancies were covered by Medicaid could lose access to that insurance 60 days after pregnancy.

We are motivated by Christian convictions regarding human dignity and the worthy work of family life. Among us are parents who have journeyed through pregnancy and childbirth ourselves and those who have accompanied women facing unexpected and difficult pregnancies. We have rallied our communities for resources for new families – collecting diapers, delivering hot meals. 

Alongside the love and prayers of their communities, families need comprehensive resources - including health insurance and quality maternal health care. 

The cost of raising children worries many families. Health insurance cut-offs exacerbate the anxiety associated with pregnancy and childbirth, particularly for vulnerable mothers. Further, the lack of consistent health coverage contributes to an unacceptable racial disparity in our state such that Black women experience greater health and mortality risks after pregnancy than do other women. We need to work together to ensure that all women can bring their pregnancies to term in confidence and security. 

Most states, including other Southern states, have now elected to provide women 12-month postpartum coverage. This extension is recommended by Governor Abbott in his recent budget proposal. It is the top recommendation of the Texas Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Review Committee.

We encourage the Senate to act to allow mothers to keep their health insurance for the first year of their baby’s life and to work across differences to achieve this goal for women and children. Life deserves nothing less.  Cessilye R. Smith, Abide Women's Health Center Jesse Rincones, Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas Destiny Herndon-DeLaRosa, New Wave Feminists Stephen Reeves, Fellowship Southwest Kathryn Freeman, Attorney, Author Sharifa Stevens, Author Jamie Ivey, Author, Podcast Host Dr. Emilie Cunningham, MPH, Dayspring Baptist Church Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew, Author, Consultant Amy Ford, Embrace Grace ... and more *organizational affiliations provided for identification purposes only