Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez Leads Assembly Hearing Spotlighting Racial Disparities in Maternal and Reproductive Care

State lawmakers, obstetricians, community-based organizations, and public health officials examine persistent gaps in reproductive and maternal care for Latina, Black, and Indigenous women and birthing people in California

SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando Valley), Chair of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities, convened an informational hearing bringing together lawmakers of the California State Assembly, health care providers, community-based advocacy organizations, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to examine the reproductive and maternal health disparities experienced by Latina, Black, and Indigenous people across California and what the state can do to narrow the inequities.

The hearing, "Centering Equity: Advancing Reproductive Health and Improving Maternal Health Outcomes for Women of Color," brought together California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Black Women for Wellness, CDPH, DHCS, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) District IX, and Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE). Presenters described current initiatives underway across state government, clinical practice, and community health centers, and identified the gaps that continue to place Latina, Black, and Indigenous people at greater risk during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.

"Each woman and birthing person has the right to decide if they want to become a parent - and that choice should not cost them their lives. Yet we continue to see preventable tragedies and federal cutbacks that are threatening the progress we have made. Everyone deserves to be heard, respected, and safe when they seek reproductive and maternal health care. For too long, Latina, Black, and Indigenous people have carried the weight of a system that was not built with them in mind. Addressing reproductive health gaps and maternal mortality is a critical public health and civil rights imperative. This hearing was about listening to the community members and organizations doing that work every day, understanding where the state is making progress, and being honest about where we still fall short. Closing these gaps has to be a legislative priority, not just a conversation," said Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez.

According to the California Department of Public Health, data reveals that Black families remain disproportionately impacted, experiencing the most elevated rates of pregnancy-related mortality across the state. Furthermore, disparities widened among pregnant individuals living in neighborhoods with the lowest health equity scores. Testimony addressed the history of forced and coerced sterilization in California and its lasting impact on trust in the health care system; barriers to clinical access and culturally competent care, including language access. State health officials presented data on maternal mortality, ongoing work under the state's Advancing Black Birth Equity initiative, and models for improving care through the Birthing Care Pathway and the Postpartum Pathway.

Camila Camaleon, Director of Policy for California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, stated, "California's history of forced sterilization is a stark reminder of what happens when the state decides that some lives, bodies, and families are more worthy than others. Forced sterilization was not a mistake or an isolated chapter in our state's history. It was state-sanctioned reproductive violence rooted in eugenics, racism, and ableism. Under California's eugenics laws, more than 20,000 people were forcibly sterilized, with disabled people of color and disabled women disproportionately targeted. Doctors and nurses coerced monolingual Spanish-speaking women into signing consent forms they could not read, stripping them of their reproductive autonomy. We have an obligation to ensure that survivors are heard, honored, and never forgotten. Bringing these stories to light is crucial not just because survivors deserve justice, but so that history is not ever repeated."

"Access to high-quality, affordable maternal health care is fundamental to the health, stability, and prosperity of every community. All birthing people and women deserve the opportunity to experience a safe, healthy pregnancy and receive respectful, high-quality care, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or zip code. Yet too many Latinas and Black women continue to face barriers that compromise their health," said Xiomara Peña, Vice President of Community Engagement & Innovation of HOPE. "HOPE's research shows that California has an opportunity to strengthen maternal health by investing in a representative healthcare workforce, expanding culturally responsive and holistic care, and ensuring comprehensive support before, during, and after pregnancy. By advancing policies that respond to these needs, California can strengthen systems of care, improve maternal health outcomes, and ensure everyone receives the support and care they deserve."

The hearing is part of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities' broader effort to evaluate the effectiveness of current state and community interventions and to identify legislative and policy actions needed to close persistent gaps in reproductive and maternal health care for all persons of color in California. The Committee heard public comment from legislative stakeholders and community members following the formal presentations.

Background Materials Referenced at the Hearing

The hearing drew on the following reports and state initiatives:

• California's Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program - the state program compensating survivors of state-sponsored sterilization.
• CDPH Pregnancy-Related Mortality Fact Sheet (2020-2022) - CDPH data on pregnancy-related mortality in California, disaggregated by race and ethnicity.
• CDPH Advancing Black Birth Equity: Executive Summary - the state's action plan to improve birth outcomes for Black families.
• DHCS Birthing Care Pathway Report - DHCS recommendations for improving the continuum of birthing care under Medi-Cal.
• The Postpartum Pathway: A Concept Paper - a DHCS concept paper on strengthening postpartum care and coverage.
• HOPE: 2025 California Equity in Maternal Health Report - Hispanas Organized for Political Equality's policy recommendations to improve outcomes for Black women and Latinas.

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About the Select Committee on Latina Inequities

The Select Committee on Latina Inequities examines the systemic barriers facing Latina and other women of color across California and works to advance legislative and policy solutions that promote equity in health care, economic opportunity, and community well-being.

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Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez is the youngest mother in the California State Legislature and represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of San Fernando and communities across the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including Arleta, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, and North Hills.

For more information, follow Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez on the following channels:
Instagram: @asmcelesterodriguez
Website: a43.asmdc.org