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

senate

Introduced on April 17, 2024 by Cory Anthony Booker

Cosponsors

Legislation Details

Recognizes the designation 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, with Black women being 2 to 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women.
Acknowledges the increasing maternal mortality rates in the U.S., which are among the highest in the developed world and have been rapidly increasing from 2018 to 2021.
Points out that the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women span across income levels, 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 right to bodily autonomy.
Emphasizes the importance of a fair and wide distribution of resources and birth options, especially regarding reproductive health care services and maternal health programming.
Notes that communities of color are disproportionately affected by maternity care deserts and have diminishing access to reproductive healthcare.
Mentions the role of Black midwives, doulas, perinatal health workers, and community-based organizations in providing holistic maternal health care, despite facing structural and legal barriers.
Highlights the exacerbation of maternal health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased barriers to accessing care and the adverse economic impact on Black mothers and families.
States that new data indicates a 26 percent increase in the maternal mortality rate for Black women since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acknowledges the lack of access to mental health services for Black women before, during, and after pregnancy.
Discusses the disproportionate denial of reasonable accommodations for Black pregnant and postpartum workers in the workplace.
Calls for investment in maternity care for Black women and birthing people, continuous health insurance coverage, and policies that support and promote affordable, comprehensive, and holistic maternal health care.
Recognizes the need for Congress to work towards ensuring safe and affordable housing, transportation equity, nutritious food, clean air and water, environments free from toxins, safety and freedom from violence, a living wage, equal economic opportunity, a diverse workforce pipeline for perinatal professionals, and comprehensive health care with access to the full spectrum of reproductive care for the Black community.
Advocates for reform of the criminal justice and family regulation systems to decriminalize pregnancy and end surveillance of families.
Supports policies grounded in human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks to address Black maternal health inequity.
Emphasizes the importance of Black women and birthing people being active participants in policy decisions that impact their lives.
Urges Congress to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.
Highlights “Black Maternal Health Week” as an opportunity to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health, amplify community-driven solutions, center the voices of Black mamas, women, families, and stakeholders, and support efforts to increase funding for Black-led organizations and perinatal birth workers.

Last updated 8/8/2024