A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2026, as "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 16, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1824-1825)
This resolution designates April 11-17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week" to raise awareness about the maternal health crisis affecting Black women and birthing people in the United States. The resolution highlights that Black women face maternal mortality rates two to three times higher than white women, with a rate of 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, and that over 80 percent of these deaths are preventable. The resolution identifies systemic racism, healthcare inequities, limited access to maternity care in some communities, barriers to mental health services, and workplace discrimination as major contributors to these disparities. The Senate formally recognizes these disparities as unacceptable and calls for Congress to pass legislation addressing preventable maternal mortality, expand healthcare access, support Black-led maternal health organizations and perinatal workers, and ensure Black women's participation in policy decisions affecting their health. This is a symbolic resolution with no direct funding or enforcement mechanisms, but it signals congressional support for prioritizing Black maternal health initiatives and policy changes.
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