PUSH AND MARCH FOR MOMS STATEMENT ON THE TRAGIC PASSING OF KRYSTAL LAKESHIA ANDERSON AND CHARLOTTE WILLOW
We are devastated by the death of Krystal Lakeshia Anderson following the stillbirth of her daughter, Charlotte Willow, and the previous stillbirth of their son James Charles. Our hearts go out to Krystal’s husband, Clayton, their family, and loved ones. Krystal, Charlotte, and James’s tragic deaths are a stark reminder that the twin crises of maternal mortality and stillbirth in this country continue to go unaddressed, despite bipartisan legislation in Congress that would expand the maternal health resources needed to improve care, especially for Black mothers and babies who shoulder a disproportionate burden of adverse outcomes in the U.S.
65 American babies are stillborn every single day.
At least 25% of stillbirths and 84% of maternal deaths are preventable using current technology and tools.
Black mothers and babies are 2-3 times as likely to die during or after pregnancy, regardless of income or education level.
Birthing parents who suffer a stillbirth are almost 5 times as likely to experience life-threatening maternal complications.
Enough is enough. PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy and March for Moms are standing together to call for urgent action from our elected officials and public health leaders to address this crisis.
Samantha Banerjee, Executive Director, PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy
Laneceya Russ-Martin, Executive Director, March for Moms
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1. Say their names. Krystal, Charlotte, and James deserve to be remembered. Honor their lives by raising awareness of the urgent need for change. Donate to their memorial fund.
2. Equip expectant families in your life with empowered pregnancy tips, and #HearHer when a birthing person raises concerns about themselves or their baby.
3. Utilize the March for Moms Advocacy Toolkit for step-by-step instructions on how to advocate for maternal health and stillbirth prevention with your elected officials, and how to use social media to amplify the call for change.
#UnitedWePush For Families, For Babies, For Change.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Daniela Sicuranza (703-623-0524) daniela@lauraevansmedia.com
Diane Roberts (202-257-6937) diane@lauraevansmedia.com