San Francisco is pioneering a new program that aims to reduce racial health disparities among expecting parents.
On Monday, Mayor Breed announced a new program that she calls the first pregnancy income supplement program in the US. The pilot program provides basic income for pregnant Black and Pacific Islander San Franciscans. It’s called the Abundant Birth Project. Participants will receive $1,000 a month throughout their pregnancy, and for at least six months after their baby is born.
The project aims to address the significant disparities in maternal and infant deaths that the Black and Pacific Islander communities face. According to the city, more than 13% of Black babies are born premature — that’s almost twice the rate for white babies — and 10% of Pacific Islander babies are born prematurely as well. Both Black and Pacific Islander populations also face disproportionate rates of infant mortality.
The program is a collaboration with UC San Francisco and receives private and public funding. It’s enrolling participants over the next two years.
