ATLANTA – State Representative Lauren Daniel (R-Locust Grove) seeks to fight for Georgia families by addressing the maternal mortality crisis in the state. On Thursday, May 4, Rep. Daniel served as a guest speaker for the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia’s mental health and maternal mortality awareness event at the State Capitol.
“It’s very rare to have an opportunity where your legislative job intersects with your personal experiences,” added Rep. Daniel. “As a teenage mother, Georgia’s maternal health issues are deeply personal for me. Resources should be readily available to pregnant women, regardless of their zip code or demographic. I am committed to examining what barriers are keeping women from receiving the best care possible during their pregnancy, as well as after delivery.”
During the event, Rep. Daniel highlighted her own experience of becoming a first-time mother as a teenager and the struggles of navigating available resources to ensure healthy outcomes for her and her first born child.
Through legislative initiatives, Rep. Daniel is committed to improving access to maternal and mental health care, promoting evidence-based practices for providers and families, as well as implementing innovative programs to support expectant and new mothers.
“Georgia families and expecting mothers are in desperate need of comprehensive health care solutions, especially Black women who are dying at disproportionately high rates during pregnancy and childbirth,” added Rep. Daniel. “I am committed to working with my colleagues in the legislature to implement policies and programs that will ensure that all Georgia families have access to the care they need to thrive.”
For the years 2018-2020, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported that pregnancy-related deaths for white women reached 22.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. For Black women, the reported rate of pregnancy-related deaths was higher at 48.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, meaning Black women in Georgia were 2.14 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women during this period.
Rep. Daniel and her husband have three children, and she is currently pregnant with their fourth child.
*Editor’s Note: A photo of Rep. Daniel speaking at the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies’ recent awareness event is attached.
Representative Lauren Daniel represents the citizens of District 117, which includes portions of Henry and Spalding counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Education and State Planning & Community Affairs committees. She also serves on the Transportation Committee.
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