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. (BMMA), 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.
This resolution expresses support for designating the week of April 11 through April 17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week" . The purpose of this designation, founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., is to bring national attention to the severe maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States, particularly focusing on the alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people. The resolution highlights that Black women are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, and their maternal mortality rate has increased even as it decreased for other racial and ethnic groups. It attributes these disparities to systemic inequities, structural racism, gender oppression, and social determinants of health, noting that over 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Congress recognizes the unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality among Black women and calls for policies grounded in human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks. These policies should address maternal health inequities by ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, transportation, nutritious food, clean environments, living wages, and comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable healthcare, including the full spectrum of reproductive care. The resolution emphasizes the importance of continuous health insurance coverage for Black women and birthing people for at least one year postpartum and advocates for investment in community-led care. It also urges the passage of the Momnibus Act and other legislation rooted in human rights to improve maternal care and outcomes. Ultimately, "Black Maternal Health Week" is presented as a crucial opportunity to deepen national conversations, amplify community-driven solutions, and support Black-led organizations and perinatal birth workers in their efforts to advance reproductive, maternal, and sexual health care.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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. (BMMA), 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.
USA119th CongressHRES-1183| House
| Updated: 4/16/2026
This resolution expresses support for designating the week of April 11 through April 17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week" . The purpose of this designation, founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., is to bring national attention to the severe maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States, particularly focusing on the alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people. The resolution highlights that Black women are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, and their maternal mortality rate has increased even as it decreased for other racial and ethnic groups. It attributes these disparities to systemic inequities, structural racism, gender oppression, and social determinants of health, noting that over 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Congress recognizes the unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality among Black women and calls for policies grounded in human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks. These policies should address maternal health inequities by ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, transportation, nutritious food, clean environments, living wages, and comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable healthcare, including the full spectrum of reproductive care. The resolution emphasizes the importance of continuous health insurance coverage for Black women and birthing people for at least one year postpartum and advocates for investment in community-led care. It also urges the passage of the Momnibus Act and other legislation rooted in human rights to improve maternal care and outcomes. Ultimately, "Black Maternal Health Week" is presented as a crucial opportunity to deepen national conversations, amplify community-driven solutions, and support Black-led organizations and perinatal birth workers in their efforts to advance reproductive, maternal, and sexual health care.