HJR275INTRODUCED
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HJR275
EJZ8RCC-1
By Representatives Lands, McClammy, Drummond, Warren, Fidler,
DuBose, Hall
RFD: Rules
First Read: 22-Apr-25
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6 EJZ8RCC-1 04/17/2025 NG (L)NG 2025-1678
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First Read: 22-Apr-25
HJR___ RECOGNIZING DOULAS AS VITAL MEMBERS OF THE CHILDBIRTH
TEAM.
WHEREAS, a doula is a trained, nonclinical
professional who provides physical, emotional, and
educational support and patient advocacy before, during, and
after childbirth, often independently or as part of
community-based collectives or agencies; and
WHEREAS, according to the Maternal Mortality Review
and Prevention Committee's 2018 and 2019 reports, 93 women,
of whom 37 were Black, died while pregnant or within one
year of pregnancy in Alabama, and over 60 percent of
pregnancy-related deaths were preventable; and
WHEREAS, according to that same report, Black women
in Alabama are two times more likely to die from
pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated complications
than white women; and
WHEREAS, the most recent Fetal and Infant Mortality
Review states that from 2009-2018, infants born to women of
color were twice as likely to die relative to those born to
white women; and
WHEREAS, a doula can be a powerful liaison,
connecting the mother to appropriate care providers and
remaining a constant presence of support, even when the
mother may have inconsistent providers; and
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mother may have inconsistent providers; and
WHEREAS, a doula can help advocate for a woman's
emotional and physical needs to medical staff; and
WHEREAS, increased access to doula care, especially
in under-resourced communities, can improve a range of
health outcomes for mothers and babies, lower health care
costs, reduce cesarean sections, decrease maternal anxiety
and depression, and help improve communication between
pregnant women and their health care providers; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of doula care can also have a
financial impact in helping families and the state avoid the
cost associated with low birth weight babies, cesarean
births, and other pregnancy-related complications; now
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH
HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we recognize that doulas are
vital childbirth team members and acknowledge their
contribution in improving maternal and infant health.
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