This resolution officially recognizes March 14, 2026, as 'Black Midwives Day' to honor the critical contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in America. The resolution highlights a serious crisis: Black women in the U.S. face maternal mortality rates of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births—more than three times higher than White women (14.2 per 100,000) and significantly higher than Hispanic and Asian women. These deaths are largely preventable. The resolution points out that many communities lack access to maternity care (over 2.3 million women live in 'maternity care deserts' with no hospitals, birth centers, or clinics offering obstetric services), and that midwife-led care has proven benefits including lower cesarean rates, fewer premature births, reduced medical interventions, and better health outcomes overall. Black midwives specifically provide culturally competent care that builds trust with Black mothers and families, addressing the disrespect and neglect that Black women often experience in hospital settings. The resolution calls on federal and state governments to increase funding for Black midwife education and training, remove legal barriers that criminalize or overregulate midwifery, expand insurance coverage (TRICARE and Medicaid) for midwife-provided care, and support autonomous midwife practice. Essentially, it's a call to action to recognize midwifery as a solution to America's maternal health crisis, particularly for Black communities.

A resolution recognizing March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" and the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.