Recognizing the week of April 11 through April 17, 2019, as Black Maternal Health Week to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the Black community and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women.

Recognizing the week of April 11 through April 17, 2019, as Black Maternal Health Week Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black mothers in the United States are 3 to 4 times more likely than White mothers to die from pregnancy-related causes; Whereas Black women in the United States suffer from life-threatening pregnancy complications, known as maternal morbidities Whereas maternal mortality rates in the United States are (1) among the highest in the developed world; and (2) increasing rapidly; Whereas the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among affluent countries, in part because of the disproportionate mortality rate of Black mothers; Whereas Black women are 49 percent more likely than White women to deliver prematurely; Whereas the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women span across (1) income levels; (2) education levels; and (3) socioeconomic status; Whereas structural racism, gender oppression, and the social determinants of health inequities experienced by Black women in the United States significantly contribute to the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women; Whereas racism and discrimination play a consequential role in maternal health care, experiences, and outcomes; Whereas a fair distribution of resources, especially with regard to reproductive health care services and maternal health programming, is critical to closing the maternal health racial disparity gap; Whereas, even as there is growing concern about improving access to mental health services, Black women are least likely to have access to mental health screenings, treatment, and support before, during, and after pregnancy; Whereas justice-informed, culturally congruent models of care are beneficial to Black women; and Whereas an investment must be made in (1) maternity care for Black women; and (2) policies that support and promote affordable, comprehensive, and holistic maternal health care that is free from gender and racial discrimination: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate recognizes (1) that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States; (2) that the alarmingly high rates of maternal mortality among Black women are unacceptable; (3) that, in order to better mitigate the effects of systemic and structural racism, Congress must work toward ensuring that the Black community has (A) adequate housing; (B) transportation equity; (C) nutritious food; (D) clean water; (E) environments free from toxins; (F) fair treatment within the criminal justice system; (G) safety and freedom from violence; (H) a living wage; (I) equal economic opportunity; and (J) comprehensive, affordable health care; (4) that, in order to improve maternal health outcomes, Congress must fully support and encourage policies grounded in the human rights and reproductive justice frameworks that address Black maternal health inequity; (5) that Black women must be active participants in the policy decisions that impact their lives; (6) that Black Maternal Health Week (A) to raise national awareness of the state of Black maternal health in the United States; (B) to amplify the voices of Black women, families, and communities; (C) to serve as a national platform for (i) entities led by Black women; and (ii) efforts on maternal health; and (D) to enhance community organizing on Black maternal health; and (7) the significance of April 11 through April 17, 2019, as Black Maternal Health Week

Summary: This resolution recognizes (1) the significance of April 11-17, 2019, as Black Maternal Health Week; (2) that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to raise national awareness of the state of black maternal health in the United States; and (3) that black women experience high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity.