The president will ultimately determine pressing matters for moms, including increasing the length of paid leave or improving the affordability of child care.
In just three months, Americans will be voting for the new president of the United States. The president will ultimately determine pressing matters for moms, including increasing the length of paid leave or improving the affordability of child care. It’s important to stay informed about possible incoming policies that can affect us, so read below to learn more about possible Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Democrat Nominee: Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris has emphasized maternal care throughout her career as a senator and now vice president. As a senator, Harris introduced the Maternal CARE Act. This bill would reduce maternal mortality rates through financially supporting state and local agencies supporting maternal health inequity.
As vice president, Harris has also taken a clear stance supporting Black mothers specifically. Harris has noted that Black women are three to four more likely to die from childbirth. Additionally, she has hosted the first-ever Maternal Health Day of Action.
Now, as she runs for president, Harris has stated that she would introduce policies that would help reduce costs for childcare and improve paid family leave.
Additionally, Harris has been supportive of different facets of women’s health. During her run as Democratic nominee during the 2019 presidential campaign, she campaigned for her Medicare for All program. This program would introduce a single-payer insurance proposal to make insurance more affordable.
Republican Nominee: Donald Trump
Donald Trump has been less vocal about his official policies he would push for mothers and people going through postpartum care. During the first presidential debate he had with President Joe Biden, Trump avoided answering how he would make childcare more affordable.
Additionally, Trump has been wishy-washy in his stance on affordable Medicare. He has said repeatedly he would like to repeal the Affordable Care Act, but recently has changed his stance to say that he would reform the act.
Trump as president has some precedents supporting maternal mortality committees. In December 2018, he and Congress authorized $60 million over five years to fund these committees to improve data collection on maternal deaths.
Written By: Kaitlin Lee
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngBJS5W7--o
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/kamala-harris-maternal-health-day-of-action/
https://kamalaharris.medium.com/my-plan-for-medicare-for-all-7730370dd421
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN9BRL_pqgg
https://www.linkedin.com/company/momsfirst/posts/?feedView=all