Grassroots voices fill Arkansas Capitol urging action for new mothers

Summary: Recently, 65 advocates went to the Arkansas Capitol to fight for the health of new moms. They are urging lawmakers to extend Medicaid health insurance for a full year after a baby is born. Right now, Arkansas is the only state in the entire country that has not extended this coverage for new mothers.

The advocates also want better access to paid family leave. Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for new moms, and these dangerous complications often happen weeks or months after giving birth. That is why keeping health coverage active is a matter of life and death. The group shared their stories with lawmakers and even took a photo with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. A recent poll shows 95% of people in Arkansas support paid family leave, which is incredible since people hardly agree on anything!

For more details, see American Heart Association at newsroom.heart.org/local-news/grassroots-voices-fill-arkansas-capitol-urging-action-for-new-mothers (opens in new tab)