Black Maternal Health and Hospital Accountability

Policy Committee    April 14, 2026

HARRISBURG, April 14 – After being discharged from the hospital while in labor, Mercedes Wells shared how she gave birth along a road in a Chevrolet Silverado after her health concerns were dismissed by health care professionals. At a House Majority Policy Committee hearing hosted by the Black Maternal Health Caucus, lawmakers highlighted the disparate outcomes facing Black mothers, who are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers. 

• Hosts: Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes (D-Allegheny), Rep. Gina H. Curry (D-Delaware), Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Phila.)
• Testifiers:
  • Mercedes Sheri Wells- Black Maternal Health Advocate
  • Leon Wells- Black Maternal Health Advocate
  • Jim Paradis- President of Riddle Hospital, Main Line Health
  • Arielle Chortanoff- Vice President of State Advocacy, Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
  • Rob Shipp- Vice President of Workforce and Clinical Affairs, Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and testimony: Black Maternal Health and Hospital Accountability

Media Release + News Coverage

• Lawmakers demand more action after shocking testimony, April 14, 2026
• WGAL, Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus addresses disparities during Black Maternal Health Week, April 14, 2026

Video + Photos

• Click here to view the entire hearing
• Click here to view photos of the hearing