Georgia House Bill HR1239

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/24
• Enrolled: 2/22/24
• Passed: 2/22/24

Caption

Black Midwives Day in the State of Georgia; March 14, 2024; recognize

Impact

The designation of Black Midwives Day aims to raise awareness of the historical significance and the current need for midwifery care, particularly as disparities in maternal and infant health persist within the Black community. It serves as a call to action to improve health outcomes among Black mothers and infants. The resolution brings attention to the importance of restoring trust and support for midwifery practices that have been essential in enhancing maternal health, particularly in communities where access to healthcare has been limited.

Summary

House Resolution 1239 is a legislative proposal recognizing March 14 as Black Midwives Day in the State of Georgia. This resolution acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of Black midwives, particularly the Granny Midwives who played a crucial role in maternal health within African American communities. The resolution highlights a resurgence in midwifery care driven by individuals seeking alternatives to traditional hospital births due to various concerns, including desires for less intervention during childbirth. In the past decade, the popularity of midwifery has significantly increased, as evidenced by rising statistics on midwifery-attended births.

Contention

While the resolution is largely symbolic, it resonates with ongoing discussions about healthcare practices and the need to address historical injustices faced by Black midwives. Some stakeholders argue that recognizing Black Midwives Day may not directly address the legislative barriers that currently hinder midwifery practice or the broader systemic issues affecting Black maternal health. However, proponents assert that honoring the contributions of Black midwives is a significant step toward acknowledging and resolving the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.