Louisiana Senate Bill SR19

Louisiana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/23
• Passed: 4/12/23

Caption

Designates the week of April 11-17, 2023, as Black Maternal Health Week.

Impact

The resolution aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Black mothers and encourages the state to implement measures that rectify the existing inequalities in maternal healthcare. Specifically, it draws attention to the need for better Medicaid reimbursement for maternity care, improved access to doula and midwifery services, and the necessity for a fair distribution of healthcare resources. By highlighting these issues, the resolution aims to prompt legislative and community actions to address the factors causing high maternal mortality rates.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 19 designates the week of April 11-17, 2023, as Black Maternal Health Week in Louisiana. This resolution highlights the alarming rates of maternal mortality among Black women, which are disproportionately higher compared to other racial groups. The resolution emphasizes that systemic issues such as structural racism, implicit bias, and socioeconomic factors contribute to these health disparities, calling for a collaborative effort to address them. It recognizes that a concerted initiative is necessary to improve the conditions affecting maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR19 is generally supportive, with advocates praising the initiative as a vital step toward addressing the severe inequities in maternal health. The resolution aligns with national and local movements aimed at enhancing the healthcare experiences of Black women, emphasizing their empowerment and right to safe and respectful care. While the resolution itself does not include legislative mandates, it serves as a critical reminder of the broader public health crisis affecting maternal demographics, fueling advocacy for policy changes.

Contention

While SR19 itself does not propose contentious legislation, it implicitly raises awareness about the systemic barriers that Black women face within the healthcare system. Notable points of contention may arise in discussions around resource allocation for maternal health programs and the need for structural changes within existing healthcare frameworks to adequately support Black mothers. This resolution focuses on advocating for Black women’s rights to comprehensive maternal care, bridging the gap created by previous healthcare inequities.