FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2026
Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov
Rep. Barragán Reintroduces Resolution to Highlight Serious Risks Posed by Air Pollution and Extreme Heat to Latina Maternal and Infant Health
Washington D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), as part of Maternal Health Awareness Day, reintroduced a resolution drawing attention to the serious risks that air pollution and extreme heat pose to Latina maternal and infant health.
The resolution underscores mounting evidence that exposure to poor air quality and rising temperatures is closely linked to negative pregnancy and birth outcomes, particularly in Latino communities. These communities are more likely to live and work in environments with elevated pollution and extreme heat, increasing the risk of complications such as preterm birth and stillbirth.
“Extreme heat and dirty air are more than environmental challenges—they are public health and equity issues that place Latina mothers at greater risk,” said Rep. Barragán. “This resolution urges Congress to take meaningful action by expanding clean air investments, ensuring bilingual air quality warnings, strengthening maternal health care, and more. No mother should have to sacrifice her health or her child’s safety simply to get through the day.”
“During my high-risk pregnancy, which was eventually diagnosed as preeclampsia, I was never warned about the dangers of high temperatures. It wasn’t until I joined EcoMadres that I learned about the severe – and even fatal – impacts of extreme heat and air pollution on maternal health, and how Latino communities in the US are disproportionately impacted. As we call on Congress to recognize these risks and take meaningful action, I feel hopeful that we can protect families and prevent other moms and babies from experiencing these harms,” said Luz Drada, Spokesperson, EcoMadres and Moms Clean Air Force.
The resolution calls on Congress to pursue a range of solutions, including increased funding for air quality monitoring, expansion of green spaces, access to bilingual air quality alerts, and enhanced training for public health professionals.
The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.
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