TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The maternal and infant mortality rate in the Garden State is a major concern, says New Jersey first lady and U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Murphy. She has announced the start of a new program to reduce the number of maternal and infant deaths in the state.
Murphy, who is running for the seat currently held by Sen. Bob Menendez, has made maternal health a major focus during her husband's administration — and for good reason. When Gov. Phil Murphy took office in 2018, New Jersey ranked 47th in the nation in maternal health. Now it ranks 27th.
“We will not stop until we are ranked first,” she said.
The candidate says there’s a racial and cultural component to those mortality statistics.
“A Black mother was nearly seven times more likely than a white mother to die from pregnancy-related complications, and a Hispanic woman was more than 3.5 times more likely to die,” she said.
And, Murphy says, Black babies were nearly three times more likely to die before their first birthdays than white babies, while Hispanic babies were 1.5 times more likely to die.
Several programs are now in place to address the problem. The latest, Family Connects NJ, pairs up visiting nurses and new moms for free home visits, starting two weeks after they give birth. The program gives access to full physical checkups for mothers and their newborns and provides advice and assistance on everything from insurance coverage to diapers.
“If they don't have any insurance or Medicaid, or any other resources, I'm able to sign them up for their resources on the spot,” explained nurse Catherine Clemons.
“It's very difficult for families of newborns,” said lead nurse Grisemelde Gonzales. “[Between the] after effects of COVID, increasing inflation [and] little to no maternity leave, we need this service now more than ever.”
One new mother wrote a letter about how the program benefited her. “I didn’t know what depression is,” she wrote. “I had no feelings for others, but I am well now.”
The program is available only in Essex, Middlesex, Mercer, Gloucester and Cumberland counties so far, but is in the process of rolling out statewide to all new parents, including those who adopt, along with women who have miscarried.
“We plan to make this program the gold standard for the entire nation,” said the first lady.