This resolution designates the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as "National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color" to highlight critical maternal health disparities. It acknowledges that women in the United States face the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations, with Black, American Native, and Alaskan women experiencing significantly higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths, particularly during the postpartum period. Studies indicate that more than two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths occur during the postpartum period, and a vast majority are preventable through timely recognition and equitable access to quality care. The resolution emphasizes that women of color frequently encounter mistreatment and discrimination during maternity care, alongside racial, social, and economic barriers that impede access to adequate postpartum support. It calls for efforts to combat institutional racism, promote access to respectful and culturally appropriate postpartum care and mental health services, and advocate for policies that address these systemic inequities. Ultimately, the resolution seeks to improve maternal health outcomes for communities of color by supporting organizations and disseminating vital information about postpartum warning signs and available resources.
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Timeline
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Recognizing the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color".
USA119th CongressHRES-1268| House
| Updated: 5/7/2026
This resolution designates the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as "National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color" to highlight critical maternal health disparities. It acknowledges that women in the United States face the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations, with Black, American Native, and Alaskan women experiencing significantly higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths, particularly during the postpartum period. Studies indicate that more than two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths occur during the postpartum period, and a vast majority are preventable through timely recognition and equitable access to quality care. The resolution emphasizes that women of color frequently encounter mistreatment and discrimination during maternity care, alongside racial, social, and economic barriers that impede access to adequate postpartum support. It calls for efforts to combat institutional racism, promote access to respectful and culturally appropriate postpartum care and mental health services, and advocate for policies that address these systemic inequities. Ultimately, the resolution seeks to improve maternal health outcomes for communities of color by supporting organizations and disseminating vital information about postpartum warning signs and available resources.