Recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2024, as the seventh annual "Black Maternal Health Week".

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Introduced on April 17, 2024 by Alma Adams

Cosponsors (48)

Legislation Details

  • Recognizes the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2024, as the seventh annual “Black Maternal Health Week.”
  • Highlights the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women in the United States.
  • Notes that Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women and are more likely to suffer from life-threatening pregnancy complications.
  • Acknowledges that the United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among affluent countries, which is rapidly increasing.
  • Points out that the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women span across income, education levels, and socioeconomic status.
  • Identifies structural racism, gender oppression, and social determinants of health inequities as significant contributors to the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women.
  • Discusses the impact of the overturn of Roe v. Wade on Black women and birthing people’s access to reproductive health care and rights.
  • Emphasizes the importance of fair and wide distribution of resources and birth options to close the racial gap in maternal health outcomes.
  • Mentions the disproportionate effect of maternity care deserts on communities of color and the barriers faced by Black midwives, doulas, and perinatal health workers.
  • Highlights the exacerbation of maternal and neonatal complications due to COVID-19, which has disproportionately harmed Black Americans.
  • Notes new data indicating a 26% increase in the maternal mortality rate for Black women since the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Addresses the lack of access to mental health services for Black women before, during, and after pregnancy.
  • Discusses the denial of reasonable accommodations for Black pregnant and postpartum workers in the workplace.
  • Calls for justice-informed, culturally congruent models of care for Black women.
  • Advocates for investment in maternity care, continuous health insurance coverage, and policies promoting affordable, comprehensive, and holistic maternal health care free from discrimination.
  • Encourages active participation of Black women and birthing people in policy decisions affecting their lives.
  • Supports the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to ensure access to safe and respectful maternal health care.
  • Views “Black Maternal Health Week” as an opportunity to deepen the national conversation, amplify community-driven solutions, center the voices of Black Mamas, and support Black-led organizations and perinatal birth workers.

Last updated 8/8/2024