ATLANTA – State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Sandra Scott (D-Rex) condemn the recent disbanding of the state’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC).
“The decision to disband Georgia’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee is a dangerous step backward in the fight for maternal health and transparency,” said Rep. Davis. “This committee existed to save lives by identifying preventable deaths and recommending solutions to systemic issues. Silencing its critical work only deepens the crisis, especially when mothers are dying due to policy failures. Our citizens deserve accountability and openness, not secrecy and suppression. I stand firmly against any action that hides the truth from grieving families and hinders efforts to address the alarming maternal mortality rates in our state.”
“Maternal health is a cornerstone of public health, and dismantling the MMRC is a blatant disregard for the lives of Georgia’s mothers and children,” said Rep. Schofield. “This committee has been a lifeline in uncovering the preventable tragedies plaguing our healthcare system. By disbanding it, the administration is choosing secrecy over solutions. We need leadership that prioritizes saving lives, not hiding failures.”
“This decision sends a chilling message to families across Georgia that their pain and loss are less important than political optics,” said Rep. Scott. “This is an issue of life and death. Preventable maternal deaths must be addressed, not covered up. I call on Governor Kemp to reinstate the committee immediately and ensure its findings are made public in a way that protects families, while holding the system accountable.”
These legislators urge the state to reconsider this decision and to prioritize reinstating the MMRC with safeguards to maintain confidentiality without compromising transparency.
*Editor’s note: a picture of these legislators is attached.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as the Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
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