General Assembly; support creation of a Black Maternal Health Caucus; urge
The establishment of a Black Maternal Health Caucus focuses on researching, developing, and recommending evidence-based policies to combat the maternal health crisis in Georgia. Given the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, particularly among Black women, the Caucus aims to create a platform for legislative action. It is anticipated that such a body will enhance awareness and cultivate solutions addressing the health inequities faced by Black pregnant women, thereby promoting better maternal health standards in Georgia.
House Resolution 426 (HR426) urges the General Assembly of Georgia to support the creation of a Black Maternal Health Caucus. This initiative is driven by alarming statistics indicating that Black women in the United States face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related deaths compared to their white counterparts. In Georgia, these disparities are particularly pronounced, as Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than non-Hispanic white women. This bill seeks to address these disparities and improve maternal health outcomes for Black women and infants in the state.
Despite bipartisan recognition of the need for action, there are concerns regarding the implementation and effectiveness of such a Caucus. Some argue that without adequate resources and support, the Caucus may not fulfill its objectives of significantly reducing maternal health disparities. Additionally, the intersection of race, healthcare access, and policy effectiveness remains a contentious issue, as advocates push for systemic changes to combat the underlying factors contributing to the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women.