SAMPLE LETTER TO GOV. ABBOTT

The Honorable Greg Abbott, Governor
The Capitol
PO Box 12428
Austin, TX 78711

Dear Governor Abbott, 

As a Texas who is providing or receiving birth support, I am experientially (personally and painfully) aware that Texas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country and that Black women are dying in childbirth at three times the rate of all other women in this state. After learning that the Department of State Health Services has delayed the release of the maternal mortality and morbidity data regardless of the fact that it is required by state law to provide this information to the public, I feel deeply dismayed, and outraged that you did not require this data to be released. I feel compelled to take action and demand that this information be released immediately. 

We have the right to know the details of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity report and the increased risks associated with being pregnant in this state. We have the right to make critical decisions based on this data. The last maternal mortality and morbidity report indicated that 89 percent of deaths were preventable. My provider also has a right to know how they can best support me, and my legislature has a right to make laws to correct the systemic issues that affect my health. Furthermore, recommendations the task force provides may lead more families like mine to build a support team around birth modifying our work/life balance, or making changes or accomodations in other areas of our lives that are within our control. I have learned that increased stress impacts reproductive health negatively, (in addition to racism and structural and institutional inequities). Delaying the release of the report will mean that Texans will all be operating with speculations and uncertainty and this will likely lead to unfavorable long term outcomes. 

Withholding the data also prevents community health organizations to focus and adjust programs offered based on findings in the report, and if there is an increasing disparity, to make significant changes and request additional funding. Our medical providers and the Texas Legislature cannot move forward with defining best practices to prevent more pregnancy related deaths without access to this data. State officials appear to be suppressing worsening data outcomes and muffling our communities cries to save the lives of pregnant Black Texas women and ultimately all pregnant Texans.

Thank you for recognizing the life or death impact that withholding this legally obligated data will have on all Texans for years to come. We urge you, as Governor, to demand the report to be released immediately so that pregnant Texas women and people can be fully informed to make the best decisions about our lives and our families, and that organizations, health care providers and the Texas Legislature can move forward with the information that the data provides to shape the work. I would appreciate a timely response to this letter and look forward to learning more about your intentions to address these concerns.

Sincerely, 

Your Name
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