A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual "Black Maternal Health Week", founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people.
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Committee
Latest Action · April 10, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
This Senate resolution officially designates April 11-17, 2025, as "Black Maternal Health Week" for the eighth consecutive year to address the maternal and reproductive health crisis affecting Black women and birthing people in the United States. The resolution highlights stark disparities: Black women are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, with maternal mortality rates for Black women increasing to 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023 while declining for other racial groups. The resolution attributes these inequities to systemic racism, discrimination in healthcare, limited access to maternity care in some communities, barriers faced by Black midwives and doulas, and insufficient mental health support, while noting that over 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The Senate calls on Congress to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and implement policies addressing social determinants of health, expand insurance coverage through the postpartum year, invest in Black-led healthcare organizations, and ensure Black women have a voice in decisions affecting their maternal health and reproductive rights.
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