McClinton joins Shapiro to celebrate new law to improve women’s health

Rep. Joanna E. McClinton    October 31, 2023 | 7:58 PM

Harrisburg, Oct. 31 – State House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware joined Gov. Josh Shapiro and colleagues from the PA House and Senate to celebrate a new law (Act 5 of 2023) to improve the collection of data on maternal health and maternal mortality in Pennsylvania. Access to comprehensive and timely data can drive women’s health policies as well as help health care professionals and families make decisions about medical care.

“Accurate data is an important first step to tackling a systemic issue like Pennsylvania’s maternal mortality rate,” McClinton said. “I was proud to work alongside my colleagues in the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus to champion this legislation because it will make a difference in the lives of women in my community and in communities across the state.”

McClinton added that Pennsylvania has a troubling record on maternal mortality. A 2022 report from the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee found that Pennsylvania had an overall pregnancy-associated mortality ratio, or PAMR, of 82 deaths per 100,000 live births. Non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest PAMR of 163 deaths per 100,000 live births.

As speaker, McClinton shepherded the legislation through the state House in June, where it received unanimous support.

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