Relative to Maternal Health Awareness Day.
The promulgation of Maternal Health Awareness Day as proposed in AR11 is expected to stimulate dialogue on maternal health issues and encourage continuous improvement in health policies that affect mothers and infants. Although California has made significant progress in reversing the upward trend in maternal mortality, this resolution reinforces the need for sustained efforts to address remaining disparities in care, particularly for black women who experience higher risks. It calls for ongoing improvements in screening practices, care coordination, and mental health support for pregnant and postpartum women.
House Resolution No. 11 (AR11), introduced by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, aims to establish January 23, 2021, as Maternal Health Awareness Day in California. This resolution seeks to draw attention to the serious issues surrounding maternal health, particularly the rising rates of maternal mortality and the disparities faced by black women. Statistics indicate that the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rates among industrialized nations, with significant preventable factors contributing to this alarming trend. AR11 highlights the work of organizations like the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) that play a crucial role in improving maternal care outcomes through various initiatives and research.
AR11 garners support from various health advocates, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about maternal health. However, the underlying issues of systemic support for maternal health care, social determinants of health, and access to quality resources remain contentious points. While support exists for initiatives aimed at better mental health and broader outreach for vulnerable groups, some may argue about the effectiveness and funding of such programs. The resolution serves as a crucial reminder that despite improvements, there is still significant work to be done to protect the health of mothers and their infants in California.