Harris Links DEI to Maternal Care in Detroit Speech

Vice President Kamala Harris stated in Detroit that opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives constitutes an attack on maternal care, particularly for minority women.

Speaking at a campaign roundtable Tuesday with Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, Harris focused on Black maternal health and healthcare costs. She asserted that DEI efforts are essential for protecting women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. "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 said.

Harris highlighted that maternal mortality rates are disproportionately higher among minority groups, with Black women facing up to four times the risk of death compared to other groups, and Native women facing three times the risk. She also noted that one in 12 women in America live in a "maternal care desert" with limited or no access to such services.

She criticized political leaders who advocate for "family values" while supporting policies that could undermine protections for marginalized communities during critical stages of maternal health. Harris contrasted the high maternal mortality rates in the U.S. with its status as a strong economy, pointing to disparities and what she described as hypocrisy among some leaders.

Furthermore, Harris directed criticism toward former President Donald Trump's health care legislation, referring to it as the "Big Bad Bill." She argued that the bill reduced Medicaid spending, a program she identified as the largest funder of maternity care in America. She claimed that former Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican Senate nominee facing El-Sayed, supported these cuts. "Medicaid is the largest funder for maternity care in America," she stated. "Donald Trump cut Medicaid funding by a trillion dollars. These are the facts Mike Rogers supported that cut through that ‘Big Bad Bill.’"

Harris concluded by endorsing El-Sayed, expressing confidence in his commitment to maternal health and anticipating he would be a "champion" on the issue.