It looks like expecting mothers in Philadelphia may have a chance of being compensated on a monthly basis. According to the New York Post, officials in Philadelphia are raising money to jumpstart a trial program that’ll give monthly payments of $1,000 to pregnant women who reside in specific areas of the city.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is looking to launch The Philly Joy Bank pilot at the beginning of 2024 in an effort to
“help ease racial disparities in infant mortality rates,”
reports The Post.
Reports say out of the top ten populated cities, Philadelphia has the most infant mortality rate during a child’s first year of living. Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, a health commissioner said,
“Infant mortality in Philadelphia is a solvable crisis.”
“We know that being able to better support pregnant people and new parents helps keep babies alive. As the poorest big city in the country, this is not always easy, especially in areas of the city that are being crushed by generational poverty and systemic racism.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the trial would allow new mothers to obtain payments for 18 months, which includes a year postpartum. In order for women to qualify, they must have an annual income of $100,000 or below.
The targeted neighborhoods include Cobbs Creek, Strawberry Mansion, and Nicetown-Tioga. Officials say the low birth rates in those areas are the highest in the city. Reports added that there aren’t any rules as to how the money can be utilized.
On top of receiving cash value, expecting mothers will also be promised
“voluntary support,”
such as financial counseling, home visits, doulas, and location support.
The city’s goal is to raise $6 million for the trial as they have already secured $3 million thus far from the William Penn Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
