Georgia House Bill HR561

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/23
• Enrolled: 3/20/23
• Passed: 3/20/23

Caption

Joseph, Jennie; Founder of Commonsense Childbirth, Inc.; commend

Impact

This resolution does not by itself create new laws but serves as a call to action to highlight and address the disparities in maternal and child health care, particularly for women of color. It underscores the importance of recruiting and training a diverse maternal healthcare workforce that can better serve racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. In recognizing Jennie Joseph, the resolution aims to inspire legislative efforts to improve maternal healthcare by implementing effective models of care that are culturally competent and equitable.

Summary

House Resolution 561 is a commendation recognizing Jennie Joseph, the founder of Commonsense Childbirth Inc., for her significant contributions to maternal and child health. The resolution highlights Joseph’s introduction of the JJ WAY model, which aims to lower the rates of preterm births, maternal mortality, and infant mortality, particularly among populations that have historically faced disparities in healthcare access. The resolution draws attention to the urgent need for equitable care and specialized training for healthcare providers to address the challenges faced by Black birthing individuals and their families.

Contention

The broader discussions surrounding this resolution point towards ongoing concerns regarding systemic racism and implicit bias within maternal healthcare systems. The disparities highlighted in the resolution, such as the dramatically higher maternal mortality rates among Black mothers compared to their White counterparts, call for urgent legislative action to improve healthcare training and protocols. Critics may argue that while commendations raise awareness, they must be accompanied by tangible legislative reforms to drive meaningful change in healthcare policies and community healthcare practices.