#USA #Arlington #Maternal Health #March of Dimes #Medicaid Cuts

Statement from March of Dimes on Budget Cuts

The recent resolution passed by the House of Representatives involves significant budget cuts, primarily targeting Medicaid. The proposed cuts may amount to approximately $880 billion over a decade, with the most substantial reductions expected to affect vital healthcare services for pregnant women, infants, and children. The implications of these cuts are grave, potentially stripping away essential healthcare access from nearly 80 million individuals across the United States.

Cindy Rahman, the President and CEO of March of Dimes, voiced her serious concerns regarding the situation. She emphasized that Medicaid serves as a cornerstone for maternal healthcare, accounting for about 41% of all births in the U.S. This program provides critical prenatal and postpartum services, which are vital in ensuring the health of mothers and their babies during a pivotal time in their lives. By diminishing the funding for Medicaid, lawmakers risk increasing maternal health issues, including higher rates of preterm births and maternal mortality, at a time when the U.S. is already grappling with a maternal health crisis.

Medicaid's role cannot be overstated; it currently supports around 1.5 million women and babies, facilitating necessary care that contributes to healthy pregnancies and positive health outcomes. The proposal to reduce funding threatens to create severe obstacles to care, jeopardizing the health and lives of countless mothers and their infants. The March of Dimes stresses that this is not merely a fiscal issue, but rather a fundamental question of health and safety for millions of families who depend on Medicaid for their wellbeing.

As the debate on the budget unfolds, March of Dimes calls on members of Congress and policymakers to take immediate action to safeguard Medicaid. They urged the public to contact their elected officials, advocating for the protection and reinforcement of Medicaid. They argue that every mother deserves access to comprehensive maternity care, and every baby should have a healthy start in life.

In light of the situation, March of Dimes has scheduled a significant event, March for Change, on March 5-6, 2025. This initiative aims to mobilize advocates nationwide to rally against the proposed cuts and demand improved care for mothers and their infants. Participants from all over the country, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, will join voices to influence lawmaking and make maternal health a national priority.

The time to act is now. The potential cuts threaten the lives of millions, emphasizing the importance of speaking out for those who cannot. March of Dimes invites the community to join their march and lend their voice in protecting Medicaid and advocating for essential health services for mothers and babies. Every call for action counts in this pivotal fight for life-saving maternal and child healthcare.