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Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

USA119th CongressHRES-231| House 
| Updated: 3/18/2025
Gwen Moore

Gwen Moore

Democratic Representative

Wisconsin

Cosponsors (2)
Alma S. Adams (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)

Armed Services Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This House Resolution recognizes the significant and enduring contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health across the United States, designating March 14, 2025, as "Black Midwives Day" to raise awareness about Black maternal health and community-driven care solutions. The resolution highlights the severe maternity care desert crisis in the U.S., where millions lack access to essential services, contributing to higher maternal morbidity and mortality. The resolution emphasizes that midwife-led care improves health outcomes, including cost savings, reduced medical interventions, and lower cesarean and preterm birth rates. Increasing the number of Black midwives is critical for addressing maternal health disparities, as they provide culturally competent care that builds trust and improves outcomes for Black mothers and infants. Historically, Black midwives have faced persecution and erasure, with current criminalization or overregulation in some states further exacerbating health inequities. To address these challenges, the resolution encourages Federal, State, and local governments to take proactive measures. These include diversifying the perinatal workforce, increasing access to culturally congruent maternal health care, and collaborating on policy solutions that promote health equity and advance Black midwifery. It specifically calls for increased funding for education, training, and mentorship programs for Black midwives, alongside removing accreditation barriers and supporting financial pathways for students and preceptors. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for authorizing the autonomous practice of all midwives to the full extent of their training and promoting TRICARE and Medicaid coverage for midwife-provided maternity care. It also urges governments to destigmatize and decriminalize midwifery practice in various settings, ensuring access to essential, culturally matched perinatal health providers.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 118-1083
Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.
Mar 18, 2025
Submitted in House
Mar 18, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 118-1083
    Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.


  • March 18, 2025
    Submitted in House


  • March 18, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Health

Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

USA119th CongressHRES-231| House 
| Updated: 3/18/2025
This House Resolution recognizes the significant and enduring contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health across the United States, designating March 14, 2025, as "Black Midwives Day" to raise awareness about Black maternal health and community-driven care solutions. The resolution highlights the severe maternity care desert crisis in the U.S., where millions lack access to essential services, contributing to higher maternal morbidity and mortality. The resolution emphasizes that midwife-led care improves health outcomes, including cost savings, reduced medical interventions, and lower cesarean and preterm birth rates. Increasing the number of Black midwives is critical for addressing maternal health disparities, as they provide culturally competent care that builds trust and improves outcomes for Black mothers and infants. Historically, Black midwives have faced persecution and erasure, with current criminalization or overregulation in some states further exacerbating health inequities. To address these challenges, the resolution encourages Federal, State, and local governments to take proactive measures. These include diversifying the perinatal workforce, increasing access to culturally congruent maternal health care, and collaborating on policy solutions that promote health equity and advance Black midwifery. It specifically calls for increased funding for education, training, and mentorship programs for Black midwives, alongside removing accreditation barriers and supporting financial pathways for students and preceptors. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for authorizing the autonomous practice of all midwives to the full extent of their training and promoting TRICARE and Medicaid coverage for midwife-provided maternity care. It also urges governments to destigmatize and decriminalize midwifery practice in various settings, ensuring access to essential, culturally matched perinatal health providers.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 118-1083
Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.
Mar 18, 2025
Submitted in House
Mar 18, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 118-1083
    Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.


  • March 18, 2025
    Submitted in House


  • March 18, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Gwen Moore

Gwen Moore

Democratic Representative

Wisconsin

Cosponsors (2)
Alma S. Adams (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)

Armed Services Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

Health

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted