We sent the following email to Cori Bush in honor of Mother’s Day.
Dear Congresswoman Cori Bush,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Katerina Canyon, and I am the Executive Director of the Peace Economy Project. Our organization is dedicated to promoting peace, economic justice, and the reallocation of resources from military spending to address social and environmental needs.
As we approach Mother’s Day, it is imperative that we reflect on the challenges faced by mothers across the nation and take meaningful action to support their health and well-being. Unfortunately, the United States continues to struggle with maternal mortality rates that are among the worst and most racially disparate in the world. Maternal deaths, particularly among Black women, remain unacceptably high, with over 80% of these deaths deemed preventable.
In light of these alarming statistics, Peace Economy Project stands in support of initiatives aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and providing essential support to families. We believe that redirecting funds currently invested in military spending towards programs such as a National Maternal Health Plan, paid family and medical leave, and postpartum insurance coverage is critical to achieving these goals.
A National Maternal Health Plan would provide targeted federal funding for maternal mental health, data collection, social determinants like housing and nutrition, a diverse perinatal workforce, and maternal vaccination. Paid family and medical leave, which is currently lacking in the U.S., has been shown to improve maternal mental health, childhood immunization rates, and reduce infant mortality. Additionally, ensuring continuous insurance coverage, through private or expanded Medicaid, is crucial for protecting mothers’ health postpartum.
By reallocating resources from military spending to these vital maternal health and family support programs, we can make significant strides towards ensuring that every mother has the care and support she needs and deserves.
I urge you to consider supporting legislation that redirects funds from military spending to prioritize maternal health and family support programs. Together, we can work towards a future where all mothers and families have access to the care and support they need to thrive.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I look forward to your continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of mothers and families in our community.
Warm regards,
Katerina Canyon Executive Director Peace Economy Project
