Health and Education, Leadership and Civic Engagement, Policy Updates
How To: Testify in Support of the Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act
by Maya Ward on Feb 12, 2021
On Thursday, February 18th at 9:00 AM EST the House 3-M Social Services, Mental Health and Children’s Affairs subcommittee will have a hearing on H.3225, the South Carolina Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act.
This bill would require hospitals, birthing centers, and any primary care health clinics in the state that deliver perinatal care to implement an evidence-based implicit bias program for all health care providers involved in the perinatal care of patients within those facilities.
What is implicit bias? Implicit bias means a bias in judgment or behavior that results from subtle cognitive processes, including implicit prejudice and implicit stereotypes that often operate at a level below conscious awareness and without intentional control.
Implicit bias is a key cause that drives health disparities in communities of color, which must be addressed. Implicit bias training would go a long way towards reducing existing health disparities and decreasing South Carolina’s alarming maternal mortality rates.
Testifying
During the hearing, the general public will have the chance to provide testimony about the bill.
VIRTUAL TESTIMONY will happen via Microsoft Teams. To sign up, please email 3M4SMC@schouse.gov by Monday, February 15, 2021 at 5:00 pm to receive a Microsoft Teams invitation.
PRE-WRITTEN TESTIMONY can be submitted to 3M4SMC@schouse.gov no later than Monday, February 15, 2021 at 5:00 pm.
During the hearing, you can watch the live stream here.
Testimony Tips
- Practice. Look in the mirror and practice your statement. Remember, you’re allowed to read from notes. If it helps, write exactly what you want to say, how you want to say it.
- Be yourself. These legislators are people too, speak to them like you would a coworker. The subcommittee process is how we work together with legislators to provide information that will inform their decisions.
- Advocacy is a team sport. After you prepare your statement, encourage a friend to write one too! If you decide to go in person, practice your statement with a support network beforehand. If you need help or want to understand this process, WREN is always happy to provide assistance. Email us at info@scwren.org and a WREN staff member will assist you.