# What This Resolution Actually Does

This is a resolution that officially recognizes and celebrates Black midwives and their role in improving maternal health, particularly for Black women and families. Think of it as Congress saying "we acknowledge the important work you do and the problems that need fixing." It's not a law that creates new programs or funding—it's more like a formal statement of support that sets the stage for future action.

The resolution highlights a serious problem: Black women in America face maternal health crises that other groups don't experience at the same rates. Black women are twice as likely to suffer serious pregnancy complications compared to white women, and maternal death rates among Black women are disproportionately high—and these problems cut across all income and education levels. The resolution also points out that millions of Americans live in "maternity care deserts" where they can't access hospitals or doctors for childbirth, which makes complications more dangerous. The resolution argues that Black midwives, who provide culturally sensitive care and have deep roots in their communities, could help solve these problems.

The resolution calls on federal, state, and local governments to take several actions: increase funding for training and mentoring Black midwives, let midwives practice independently to the full extent of their training, expand insurance coverage (including Medicaid and military health insurance) to pay for midwife-assisted births at home or birth centers, and work toward diversifying the healthcare workforce. It also acknowledges the painful history of how Black midwives were systematically pushed out of practice during the 20th century and recognizes the movement to bring midwifery back as an important part of healthcare.

While this resolution doesn't directly change laws or create immediate funding, it signals Congressional support for policies that could expand access to midwifery care and address racial disparities in maternal health. It's essentially Congress saying these issues matter and encouraging policymakers to act on them.

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

Moore, Gwen

This resolution&nbsp;supports and recognizes the contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.The resolution encourages federal, state, and local governments to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes by supporting initiatives aimed at diversifying the perinatal workforce.The resolution also&nbsp;promotes TRICARE and Medicaid coverage of maternity care provided by midwives of all training pathways in the setting of choice of the birthing person.