Peach Tree Times

State Representatives Viola Davis, Kim Schofield, and Sandra Scott have voiced strong opposition to the recent disbanding of Georgia's Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC). The committee was tasked with identifying preventable maternal deaths and recommending solutions to systemic issues in maternal health.

Rep. Davis expressed concern over the decision, stating, "The decision to disband Georgia’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee is a dangerous step backward in the fight for maternal health and transparency." She emphasized that the committee's work was crucial in addressing policy failures contributing to maternal mortality rates. "Our citizens deserve accountability and openness, not secrecy and suppression," she added.

Rep. Schofield highlighted the importance of maternal health as a public health cornerstone. She criticized the dismantling of the MMRC as "a blatant disregard for the lives of Georgia’s mothers and children." According to her, disbanding the committee favors secrecy over solutions, which is contrary to leadership that should prioritize saving lives.

Rep. Scott pointed out that this decision sends a negative message to families affected by maternal mortality. "This is an issue of life and death," she stated, urging Governor Kemp to reinstate the committee promptly. She called for transparency in making the committee's findings public while ensuring family protection and system accountability.

The representatives are calling on state authorities to reconsider their decision and focus on reinstating the MMRC with measures that balance confidentiality with transparency.