ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4
BY REPRESENTATIVE NEWELL
A RESOLUTION
To recognize the week of April 11-17, 2023, as the sixth annual Black Maternal Health
Week.
WHEREAS, the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women span across
income levels, education levels, and socioeconomic status; the maternal death rate among
Black Americans is much higher than other racial groups, specifically, 26 times higher than
the rate for White women; and
WHEREAS, a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control indicates that
in 2021, the U.S. had one of the worst rates of maternal mortality in the nation's history, a
40% increase from 2020; Black women are 55% more likely than all other women to deliver
prematurely; structural racism, gendered oppression, and the social determinants of health
contribute to the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women; and
WHEREAS, the Black community must have access to adequate housing,
transportation equity, nutritious food, environments free from toxins, fair treatment within
the criminal justice system, safety and freedom from violence, equal economic opportunity
and also quality, respectful, comprehensive, and affordable health care; and
WHEREAS, there is serious concern about improving access to dignified, quality
maternal health care across the state; increasing access to doula care services for publicly
and privately insured women is paramount; low Medicaid reimbursement rates for maternity
care services performed by OB-GYNs and midwives must be addressed to eliminate the
state's maternity care deserts and to provide life-saving care for moms and a healthy start for
babies; and
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WHEREAS, improving access to birthing options such as doula care and midwifery
care for those who want additional support is important to addressing our state's maternal
mortality and severe maternal morbidity crisis; and
WHEREAS, a fair and wide distribution of resources and birth options, especially
with regard to reproductive rights, reproductive healthcare services, and maternal health
programming, is critical to closing the racial gap in maternal health outcomes; and
WHEREAS, Black midwives, doulas, perinatal health workers, and
community-based organizations provide holistic maternal care but face structural and legal
barriers to licensure, reimbursement, and provision of care; this year’s theme, Our Bodies
Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy, speaks to strength, power, resilience, and
the unassailable right to live freely, safely, and joyfully.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize April 11-17, 2023, as Black Maternal Health
Week to address this health disparity through direct policy action intended to prevent
maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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