Advocates rallied ahead of a City Council hearing Monday hoping for swift changes to combat maternal fatality rates. 

According to the New York City Department of Health, pregnant women of color die at a disproportionate rate compared to white women. 

Bruce Mcintyre says he is still trying to find the words after losing the love of his life and the mother of his son earlier this year. He says he is now using his voice for citywide health care changes. 

This is a pressing issue shared by many families across the boroughs with a spotlight on birthing Black mothers.

On Monday, the City Council held a hearing with the city’s DOH, NYC Health + Hospitals and other agencies--providing updates on their efforts. 

The City Council is now introducing four pieces of legislation, with the intent of transforming the landscape in health care for birthing mothers, from outreach to resources. 

Bronx Councilmember Vanessa Gibson has been vocal on the issue and says she is hopeful that the proposed legislation will be the first step in the right direction. 

“When we say birth justice, we mean giving Black women and Latino women to use doulas and midwifes and all forms of alternative health care as they are preparing for the birth of their children,” said Gibson.