Nationwide — Erica Jimenez, a white Hispanic lady from Pasadena, California, has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit after being denied entry into the state’s Black Toddler Well being program. She argues that this system’s race-based eligibility guidelines violate constitutional protections and federal civil rights regulation.
The lawsuit focuses on the Black Toddler Well being program run by the California Division of Public Well being. This system presents counseling, group help, and well being providers for pregnant and postpartum Black moms, delivered by nurses and psychological well being professionals. It doesn’t have earnings necessities and is funded via each state and federal sources.
Jimenez is represented by the Pacific Authorized Basis. Based on California Globe, her grievance states she utilized whereas pregnant in February and was later rejected after program employees confirmed she was not Black. She claims she met all different eligibility necessities other than race.
Courtroom filings state that Jimenez was denied entry to providers geared toward supporting wholesome pregnancies and early childhood improvement. She gave start to a child boy in mid-March. The lawsuit additionally asks the court docket to certify the case as a category motion to incorporate different candidates excluded below the identical standards.
Program supplies describe its objective as addressing disparities in start outcomes amongst Black moms, linked to social and financial situations. This system acquired about $23.9 million in state funding and greater than $6 million from the USA Division of Well being and Human Companies within the present fiscal 12 months.
A lawyer for the Pacific Authorized Basis stated authorities packages can not legally deny entry based mostly on race below constitutional and civil rights protections. The California Division of Public Well being declined to remark, citing ongoing litigation.
