Us Congress Senate Bill SR12

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23

Caption

A resolution designating January 23, 2023, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day".

Impact

The resolution emphasizes that maternal mortality rates in the United States have doubled from 1987 to 2017 and highlights that a significant number of these deaths are preventable. It acknowledges that social determinants of health, including bias and racism, have severe impacts on maternal health outcomes, particularly affecting Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women. This recognition could lead to more structured efforts by various stakeholders towards improving health equity and reducing adverse maternal health outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Summary

SR12 is a resolution designating January 23, 2023, as 'Maternal Health Awareness Day'. The resolution seeks to raise public awareness about maternal health issues, including maternal mortality and morbidity, as well as disparities in maternal health outcomes across different communities. The bill underscores the importance of recognizing and combatting these issues, which have gained urgency given the alarming statistics surrounding maternal health in the U.S., particularly among minority populations. The resolution calls for coordinated efforts from federal and state entities, healthcare providers, and public health organizations to promote better maternal safety practices and outcomes.

Contention

There is recognition within the resolution of existing disparities that increase the risk of maternal death among racially and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Discussions surrounding the need for targeted initiatives to support these groups have been contentious, as they often involve deeper systemic issues within healthcare access and quality. Advocates for maternal health argue that more significant investments are necessary in community-based healthcare services and educational initiatives to ensure that all women receive respectful and competent maternity care, which remains a point of contention among policymakers.