HLS 23RS-916 ORIGINAL
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4
BY REPRESENTATIVE NEWELL
SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Recognizes the week of April 11 through 17, 2023, as
Black Maternal Health Week
1 A RESOLUTION
2To recognize the week of April 11 through 17, 2023, as the sixth annual Black Maternal
3 Health Week.
4 WHEREAS, the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women span across
5income levels; education levels; and socioeconomic status; the maternal death rate among
6Black Americans is much higher than other racial groups, specifically, 26 times higher than
7the rate for White women; and
8 WHEREAS, a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control indicates that
9in 2021, the U.S. had one of the worst rates of maternal mortality in the nation’s history; a
1040% increase from 2020; Black women are 55% more likely than all other women to deliver
11prematurely; structural racism, gendered oppression, and the social determinants of health
12contribute to the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women; and
13 WHEREAS, the Black community must have access to adequate housing;
14transportation equity; nutritious food; environments free from toxins; fair treatment within
15the criminal justice system; safety and freedom from violence; equal economic opportunity
16and also quality, respectful, comprehensive, and affordable health care; and
17 WHEREAS, there is serious concern about improving access to dignified, quality
18maternal healthcare across the state; increasing access to doula care services for publicly and
19privately insured women is paramount; low Medicaid reimbursement rates for maternity care
20services performed by OB-GYNs and midwives must be addressed to eliminate the state’s
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HR NO. 4
1maternity care deserts and to provide life-saving care for moms, and a healthy start for
2babies; and
3 WHEREAS, improving access to birthing options such as doula care and midwifery
4care for those who want additional support is important to addressing our state's maternal
5mortality and severe maternal morbidity crisis; and
6 WHEREAS, a fair and wide distribution of resources and birth options, especially
7with regard to reproductive rights, reproductive health care services, and maternal health
8programming, is critical to closing the racial gap in maternal health outcomes; and
9 WHEREAS, Black midwives, doulas, perinatal health workers, and
10community-based organizations provide holistic maternal care but face structural and legal
11barriers to licensure, reimbursement, and provision of care; this year’s theme, Our Bodies
12Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy, speaks to strength, power, and resilience,
13and the unassailable right to live freely, safely, and joyfully.
14 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
15Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize April 11 through 17, 2023, as Black
16Maternal Health Week to address this health disparity through direct policy action intended
17to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 4 Original 2023 Regular Session Newell
Designates April 11-17, 2023, as Black Maternal Health Week.
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