# What This Bill Actually Does

This is a symbolic resolution that officially recognizes April 11-17, 2023, as "Black Maternal Health Week." Think of it like a congressional declaration—it doesn't create new laws or programs, but rather puts the spotlight on a serious public health crisis and calls for action. The resolution is essentially Congress saying, "We acknowledge this problem exists and we think it deserves national attention."

The bill highlights some stark realities about maternal health in America. Black women are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and they experience dangerous pregnancy complications twice as often. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among wealthy nations, and that rate has been getting worse—nearly doubling between 2018 and 2021. Black women face these risks regardless of income or education level, suggesting the problem runs deeper than just access to money or information. The resolution also points out that Black women had the highest rates of COVID-related maternal deaths during the pandemic.

Beyond just acknowledging the crisis, the resolution calls on Congress to support specific solutions. It urges lawmakers to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which would address issues like ensuring continuous health insurance coverage for a full year after birth, supporting Black midwives and doulas who face barriers to practice, and improving access to mental health care during pregnancy. The resolution also emphasizes that fixing maternal health requires addressing broader inequities—safe housing, clean water, fair treatment in the criminal justice system, and living wages all play a role in whether pregnancies go well.

In practical terms, this resolution doesn't immediately change anyone's healthcare or benefits. However, it signals congressional intent to prioritize Black maternal health and could help build momentum for future legislation that would actually fund programs and services. For Black women and birthing people, it represents official recognition that the dangers they face during pregnancy are real, measurable, and unacceptable—and that Congress believes something needs to change.

Recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2023, as the sixth annual "Black Maternal Health Week" to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.

Adams, Alma S.

 <p>This resolution recognizes that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health.</p>