2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 19
BY SENATOR DUPLESSIS
A RESOLUTION
To designate the week of April 11-17, 2023, as Black Maternal Health Week.
WHEREAS, the high rates of maternal mortality among black women span across
income levels, education levels, and socioeconomic status; and
WHEREAS, a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) indicates that in 2021, the U.S. had one of the worst rates of maternal
mortality in our nation's history; a 40% increase from 2020; and
WHEREAS, the report also found that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths
in the U.S. are preventable; and
WHEREAS, the maternal death rate among black Americans is much higher than
other racial groups, specifically, 2.6 times higher than the rate for white women; and
WHEREAS, black women are 55% more likely than all other women to deliver
prematurely; and
WHEREAS, according to the CDC, there are multiple factors that contribute to these
disparities including variations in quality health care, underlying chronic conditions,
structural racism, and implicit bias; and
WHEREAS, in addition, social determinants of health prevent many people of racial
and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and
emotional health; and
WHEREAS, for there to be significant improvement in preventing pregnancy-related
deaths and maternal health outcomes, a concerted effort must be made on many fronts; and
WHEREAS, communities must work together to identify and address the social
factors affecting maternal health such as unstable housing, transportation access, food
insecurity, substance use, violence, and racial and economic inequality; and
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WHEREAS, low Medicaid reimbursement rates for maternity care services
performed by OB/GYNs and midwives must be addressed to eliminate the maternity care
deserts and provide life-saving care for moms and a healthy start for babies; and
WHEREAS, access to doula services and midwifery care for both publicly and
privately insured women who want additional support of a myriad of options for their
birthing plan is an important part of addressing maternal mortality and the 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 improving and 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 often face structural and legal barriers to
licensure, reimbursement, and provision of care; and
WHEREAS, the official theme of this year's Black Maternal Health Week is "Our
Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy", recognizing the alarming rise
of maternal mortality, yet acknowledging the strength, power, and resilience of black women
and birthing people and their unassailable right to live freely, safely, and joyfully.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby designate the week of April 11-17, 2023, as Black Maternal Health Week.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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