Rep. Nannette Barragán Briefs: Senator Highlights Environmental Threat on Latina Maternal Health, Introduces Bill to Access Economical Generic Drugs

Rep. Barragán Brings Attention to the Threat of Air Pollution and Extreme Heat on Latina Maternal Health

Washington D.C. — Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44) Sept. 24 introduced a resolution that recognizes the threat of air pollution and extreme heat on Latina maternal and infant health at a press conference alongside Guadalupe Pacheco from the National Hispanic Health Foundation and Amy Tamayo from Alianza Nacional de Campesinas.

The resolution recognizes the significant correlation between air pollution and extreme heat to maternal and infant health, particularly within Latino communities. It highlights that these communities face disproportionate exposure to environmental toxins, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth.

“Air pollution and extreme heat are not just environmental issues—they are issues of equity and health that disproportionately harm Latina moms,” stated Rep. Barragan. “This resolution calls on Congress to invest in clean air initiatives, bilingual air quality alerts, improved maternal healthcare access, and much more. We must act now to ensure that no mother has to choose between her health and her job, or between staying cool and protecting her unborn child.”

“Many healthcare providers emphasize exercise and nutrition, but they often overlook the critical need to protect ourselves from extreme heat—especially during pregnancy. I had to undergo a c-section at 36 weeks, and while my son and I are healthy, I wish I had been warned about the dangers of high temperatures,” added Luz Drada, EcoMadres’s Program Coordinator. “This resolution ignites optimism for a healthier future for mothers and children everywhere. Together, we can fight for a better tomorrow.”

“The National Hispanic Health Foundation supports health equity for Latina women, especially during pregnancy and infancy,” explained Guadalupe Pacheco, Director of Programs at the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF).”Addressing the disproportionate risks of extreme heat and air pollution is crucial to safeguarding mothers’ and their children’s health and well-being.”

“We are very encouraged to see Congresswoman Barragán introduce this resolution calling on Congress to address health vulnerabilities in our communities,” said Amy Tamayo, National Policy and Advocacy Director at Alianza Nacional de Campesinas. “Farmworker women are not only subjected to extreme heat in the fields, but also sexual violence and harassment, and dangerous pesticide exposure that compromises their health and that of their children’s. Pregnant farmworkers growing food to nourish the nation should not have to fear for their children’s lives or their health. Farmworker women bear the heavy burden of risking their health daily and their well being must be a national priority.”

The resolution also outlines several actions Congress should take to address this problem, including greater investment in air quality programs, more green spaces, bilingual air quality alerts, and the education of public health professionals. 

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Raul Grijalva, Nydia Velázquez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Grace Napolitano, and Emmanuel Cleaver.

The following organizations support the resolution: Ecomadres, Mom’s Clean Air Force, National Hispanic Health Foundation, National Hispanic Medical Association, Hispanic Access Foundation, American Women’s Medical Association, and Corazon Latino.

Details: Read the full text of the resolution here.

Rep. Barragán Introduces Bill to Increase Access to More Affordable Drugs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44) Sept. 17 introduced the Prompt Approval of Safe Generic Drugs Act, legislation that would expand access to lower-cost generic drugs by removing hurdles in the drug approval process. These barriers otherwise prevent the Food and Drug Administration or FDA from approving certain follow-on products that could improve competition and patient access.

These generic drugs otherwise contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name drug counterpart, producing the same clinical benefit for patients. Overall, generic drugs are significantly less expensive compared to their brand-name counterparts.

Abuse of the drug approval process by drug manufacturers, such as preventing FDA’s ability to approve generic competitors, has been one of the driving factors behind the rapidly rising cost of prescription drugs. The Prompt Approval of Safe Generic Drugs Act would allow for generic drugs to enter the market sooner and increase competition, ultimately increasing access to more affordable drugs.