WACO, Texas (KWTX) – The Baylor softball team pulled off a shutout victory Saturday, beating No. 13 University of Louisiana 8-0 in five innings.

After a scoreless first inning, the Bears offense erupted in the second inning with 7 runs.

Baylor’s Sydney Collazos got the scoring started after advancing to first on an error by Louisiana’s first baseman, allowing Ana Watson to score.

The Bears secured the win in the fifth inning after Baylor’s Shaylon Govan hit a homerun into left field, prompting the NCAA’s “run-ahead” rule.

The NCAA’s “run-ahead” rule in D1 softball states that if a team is winning by eight or more runs after at least five innings have been played, the umpire can declare the team leading as the winners.

Baylor’s pitcher RyLee Crandall picked up the win, getting three strikeouts and only allowing two hits the entire game.

Copyright 2024 KWTX. All rights reserved.

With regards to “Doctors plead with Congress to help improve U.S. maternal mortality rate,” by Jennifer Shutt, May 3, 2024.

Our nation is failing its mothers. In Louisiana, Black mothers are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white mothers. Worse, still, is the fact that 92% of these deathsmay have been preventable.

As States Newsroom reports, health care experts have pleaded with Congress for “creative ideas” to address these maternal health disparities. Specifically, the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act combines thirteen individual bills to provide sweeping maternal healthcare reform. While the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act is a crucial step in reducing maternal mortality, this legislation omits a creative and cost-effective solution that has a proven record of improving health outcomes and equitability—doula care.

Doulas are trained professionals that provide physical and emotional support to mothers before, during and after birth. Doulas reduce the risk of medical interventions, which leads to better birth outcomes for the mother and the child. Specifically, a doula can reduce the rate of a risky C-section by 40% and can reduce the risk of a low-birth-weight delivery by nearly 10%.

These benefits are amplified for women that are marginalized or may encounter barriers in the healthcare system. This is because doulas serve as advocates, which is essential for Black women and people of color that face discrimination and biases in our healthcare system. Doulas are also empowering, as they ensure that a mother’s voice is heard and body is respected during birth.

Doula care can complement current health initiatives such as the expansion of HBCU medical schools and the reduction of financial barriers for future doctors. In increasing the number of doulas, we will not only address the medical side of birth, but the emotional side, too.

As Louisiana citizens dream up creative ideas to solve the maternal health crisis, let them not overlook the importance of doulas in providing equitable and essential care.

• Amelia Hartshorn, Hanover, New Hampshire

ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) -The Urban League of Louisiana kicked off its Listen and Learn Tour in Alexandria on Friday, May 17, where they engaged with residents, community leaders, and elected officials from across the region. Established to advocate for fairness in society and the economy, particularly for African Americans, the organization seeks to support those in Louisiana facing economic challenges, striving for legislative changes and seeking to improve society.

During Friday’s meeting, locals voiced their perspectives on pressing issues in Central Louisiana. Urban League leaders emphasized the importance of transparency and open dialogue to address these concerns. Their objective is to foster consensus and collaboration so that they may enact meaningful change for the betterment of the community.

“Part of our commitment is ensuring that when you share an issue with us, you won’t be left waiting,” said Charles Phipps, Director of Policy at the Urban League. “Within a week of our visit, expect to hear back with a summary of what we’ve gathered from you. However, when it comes to policy changes, these processes take time as they navigate legislative cycles. We pledge to keep communication channels transparent, providing updates early and often so you’re informed of our progress. Today, we’re proud to announce that the outcomes we implement will be shared with the community.”

Urban League Officials said they’re committed to doing everything they can to advocate for the community.

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