A resolution recognizing March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" and the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · March 17, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1094-1095)
Senate Resolution 646 designates March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" to recognize the contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States. The resolution highlights a critical public health crisis: Black women experience maternal mortality rates of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births—more than three times higher than White women (14.2 per 100,000)—and research shows midwife-led care reduces complications, cesarean rates, and improves outcomes for both mothers and infants. The resolution calls on federal, state, and local governments to support Black midwifery through increased funding for education and training, removal of legal barriers to midwife practice, expanded insurance coverage under Medicaid and TRICARE, and workforce diversification to address racial disparities in maternal health. No new funding is authorized by this resolution; rather, it serves as a symbolic commitment and policy recommendation to address systemic racism in maternal health care by expanding access to culturally competent midwifery services.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.