Former Vice President Kamala Harris stated on Tuesday that any opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives inherently constitutes an assault on maternal healthcare. Her remarks came during a visit to Detroit, where she joined Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed to garner support ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections.
Harris delivered these comments at a campaign roundtable focused on Black maternal health and the financial burden of healthcare, attended by El-Sayed and various healthcare advocates.
"An attack on DEI, to recognize diversity, equity and inclusion, is an attack by definition on maternal care, including the need to protect Black women in connection with their pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care," Harris explained.
Addressing Disparities in Maternal Health
The former Vice President highlighted the significantly elevated maternal mortality rates among minority populations, noting that Black women face up to four times the risk of death, and Native women three times the risk, compared to other groups.
She also pointed out a critical access issue, stating, "One in 12 women in America currently lives in a maternal care desert with limited or no access to maternal care."
Harris then critiqued political figures who frequently champion "family values," arguing that actions to dismantle DEI programs strip away crucial support systems designed to assist specific communities throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
"As one of the most — some would say the most financially strong economies in the world — we have the distinction of also having one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world," she commented, adding, "So, it raises the issue of disparities and also hypocrisy when there are leaders who otherwise walk around every day talking about their family values."
Critique of Past Healthcare Legislation
Harris also directed her criticism towards former President Donald Trump’s healthcare policies, which she referred to as the "Big Bad Bill." She contended that these policies led to substantial cuts in Medicaid spending, a move she said was supported by former Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican Senate nominee who will face El-Sayed.
"Medicaid is the largest funder for maternity care in America," she asserted. "Donald Trump cut Medicaid funding by a trillion dollars. These are the facts Mike Rogers supported that cut through that ‘Big Bad Bill.’"
Concluding her address, Harris reiterated her endorsement for El-Sayed in the Senate contest, commending his stance on maternal health and expressing her belief that he would serve as a "champion" for the cause.
"I'm here to support Doctor El Sayed, because, on this subject, I know he will be a champion," she stated. "And I have a right to say that."