The 'Black Maternal Health Week Recognition Resolution of 2023' (CER25-0053) acknowledges the significant disparities in maternal health outcomes affecting Black women in the United States and particularly in the District of Columbia. The resolution cites that Black women are 2.6 times more likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths compared to White women and emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness and advocacy around these issues. To highlight these disparities, the resolution declares April 11th to April 17th as Black Maternal Health Week in DC, encouraging recognition and action to address the systemic inequities faced by Black mothers.
Throughout the bill, statistics illustrate the severity of the problem, noting that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the maternal mortality rate among Black women has increased by 26%. The bill references data from the District's Maternal Mortality Review Committee, illustrating that 90% of pregnancy-related deaths in DC were among Black women, despite them constituting only about half of all births. Additionally, the resolution points out that access to prenatal care is a major issue, with a significant percentage of Black mothers not receiving adequate prenatal care during their pregnancies.
The resolution also seeks to honor the work of birth workers and maternal care providers who support Black mothers and advocates for community-driven policy solutions to address these health disparities. It recognizes the role of organizations working on maternal health issues and the need for broader distribution of resources related to reproductive health and perinatal services.
Generally, the sentiment surrounding the resolution is one of solidarity and urgency, calling on the community and government to further emphasize the importance of maternal health initiatives for Black women. There are elements of hope as the resolution aims to amplify policy solutions that address these disparities, but the underlying statistics serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain. By establishing a dedicated week to maternal health, the bill encourages ongoing conversations and initiatives necessary to improve the situation for Black mothers, promoting better health outcomes and the wellbeing of families in the community.