Delaware Senate Bill SCR30

Delaware 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/6/23
• Engrossed: 4/6/23

Caption

Recognizing The Week Of April 11 Through April 17, 2023 As "black Maternal Health Awareness Week" In Delaware.

Impact

The resolution serves to emphasize and cultivate a robust community response to the disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women in Delaware. It lays the groundwork for promoting awareness and encouraging the participation of healthcare professionals and community members in addressing these disparities. Citing statistics about maternal and infant mortality rates in Delaware, it urges governmental and healthcare entities to prioritize initiatives that can lead to improved outcomes for Black mothers and infants.

Summary

SCR30 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizing the week of April 11 through April 17, 2023, as 'Black Maternal Health Awareness Week' in Delaware. The resolution highlights critical issues regarding maternal health disparities, particularly focusing on the higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and mortality among Black women compared to their White counterparts. This bill aims to bring attention to the human rights crisis stemming from preventable maternal mortality in the U.S., which has seen pregnancy-related deaths rising, particularly impacting minority populations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR30 appears overwhelmingly supportive, with various stakeholders acknowledging the importance of recognizing and addressing Black maternal health issues. Legislators and community advocates share the view that there is a pressing need for systemic improvements in healthcare accessibility and quality for Black women. This collective acknowledgment reflects a growing awareness and commitment to ameliorating health inequalities that have persisted across generations.

Contention

While generally met with approval, the bill also underscores contentious points related to systemic healthcare disparities that have been prevalent in Delaware. Concerns remain regarding the implementation of initiatives aimed at reducing maternal mortality, particularly regarding whether sufficient resources will be allocated to address the racial disparities in healthcare. Critics may argue that symbolic recognition of Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, while important, must be followed by concrete actions and policies to effect real change in maternal health outcomes.