Rep. Kelly introduces bicameral WELLS Act, new maternal health bill named after constituent

Rep. Kelly introduces bicameral WELLS Act, new maternal health bill named after constituent

<span>Rep. Kelly introduces bicameral WELLS Act, new maternal health bill named after constituent</span> <div class="evo-press-release__field-evo-subtitle">Mercedes Wells, a Black woman, gave birth in a truck after discharged from a hospital in active labor</div> <span><span>Kevin.Kiser@ma…</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-03-05T22:15:45-05:00" title="Thursday, March 5, 2026 - 22:15">Thu, 03/05/2026 - 22:15</time> </span> <div class="evo-press-release__body"><p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced a <a href="//robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-announces-wells-act-new-maternal-health-bill-honor-mercedes">new maternal health bill today named after Mercedes Wells</a>, her constituent and a Black woman who was forced to give birth on the side of the road minutes after being discharged from a hospital while in active labor.</p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/WELLSACT2026">The Women Expansion for Learning and Labor Safety (WELLS) Act</a> seeks to prevent similar traumatic situations by urging hospitals and birthing centers to develop and implement a safe discharge plan. The WELLS Act also includes racial bias training for healthcare professionals, building on Rep. Kelly’s <a href="//robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kellys-maternal-health-bill-funding-10-community-project-requests">Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2022</a>.</p><p>“I’m bringing Mercedes’ story to Congress because her voice, and every Black woman’s voice, deserves to be heard loud and clear. Black women’s pain in labor cannot and should not be ignored, dismissed, and discharged,” <strong>said Rep. Kelly.</strong> “When I met Mercedes, she said she wanted to be used as a vessel for change. I will never forget her courage, and I’ll make sure our hospitals change for her, her newborn daughter, and every Black woman. I’m rooting out racism in our healthcare system until all women receive the care they deserve, no matter the color of her skin.”</p><p>Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) will introduce the Senate companion bill.</p><p>“The United States is the wealthiest nation in the world, yet Black women here face some of the highest maternal mortality rates among other nations,” <strong>said Senator Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.</strong>&nbsp;“There are harrowing reports of pregnant women being turned away from hospitals, not being taken seriously, and ultimately forced to give birth in unsafe conditions. I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Robin Kelly to introduce the WELLS Act. Our bill would require hospitals to develop and follow a Safe Discharge Labor Plan before discharging a patient with signs of labor, and ensure medical professionals are equipped to reduce health disparities. Together, we’re going to take on the Black maternal health crisis and ensure more moms and babies are healthy during pregnancy, birth, and beyond.”</p><p>The WELLS Act is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Bonnie Watson-Coleman (NJ-12) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), who are both co-chairs with Rep. Kelly on the Caucus of Black Women and Girls.</p><p>"Whatever the color of our skin, where we live, or how much money we make, most Americans want a country that respects the well-being of everyone, especially expectant mothers. Sadly, women of color have had seen their health concerns dismissed, whether due to bias of healthcare providers or the pernicious pursuit of profit by hospital systems,” <strong>said Rep. Watson-Coleman.</strong> “This has led to&nbsp;astonishing and shameful maternal and infant mortality rates among women of color in many parts of our country that rivals rates seen in impoverished nations. This is unacceptable. I thank Rep. Kelly for putting this issue front and center. Working together, we can tackle this crisis and make the United States the best place in the world to have a child."&nbsp;</p><p>“For too long, women of color have faced neglect in their maternal health. There are too many cases where women go into labor, and what should have been a healthy and safe delivery for both mother and child ends in neglect and death. As a proud&nbsp;original co-sponsor of the Wells Act, I strongly support this legislation to protect mothers and newborns nationwide,”&nbsp;<strong>said Rep. Clarke.</strong>&nbsp;"This measure requires hospitals to ensure safe postpartum care, including clear discharge plans, backup facilities, reliable transportation, and patient understanding. It also mandates racial bias training for healthcare workers to address disparities in maternal care. This bill strengthens accountability, promotes equity, and takes a crucial step toward safer, equitable labor and delivery experience for all women.”</p><p>The WELLS Act is also endorsed by 4Kira4Moms, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Chamber of Mothers, and In Our Own Voice.</p><p>“The introduction of the WELLS Act is a welco