Harris County Public Health is introducing a “Maternal Health Bill of Rights” to bring awareness to high maternal and infant mortality rates in the Houston area.

The new document was introduced during the second Maternal and Child Health Conference. The first conference was held last year, and had a focus on Black maternal mortality rates.

Some of the rights listed in the Maternal Health Bill of Rights include prenatal care and family planning rights, breastfeeding, pregnancy complications, and delivery options.

Alice Lee is the Director of the Maternal and Child Health Collective Impact at March of Dimes. She said in a report released earlier this year that the Houston area received an F rating for their maternal health in 2023.

“We are in a crisis right now with our maternal and infant health outcomes, as evidenced by what we are seeing right here in Harris County,” she said.

Preterm birth rates are relatively high nationwide at 10.4%, Texas as a whole has a higher preterm birth rate at 11.3% and Houston’s at 12.1%.

Lee also said that in Harris County, the distance to a birthing hospital could range from less than a mile away to more than 30.

Harris County Public Health’s Executive Director, Barbie Robinson, said those who are expecting need to know their rights in healthcare.

“Health literacy is so important. And we know that’s not just the ability to read information, but it’s the ability to take in information and understand what it means for you, and how to advocate for yourself,” Robinson said.

Harris County Public Health is also promoting their Maternal and Child Health program, which was originally launched in 2022. $1.4 million in federal funding went towards the program last year. The program provides resources and support to pregnant or recently pregnant people.

The full list of rights are available online.