Kentucky Senate Bill SR202

Kentucky 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/7/24
• Passed: 4/12/24

Caption

A RESOLUTION recognizing April 11 to 17, 2024, as Black Maternal Health Week in Kentucky.

Impact

The resolution serves a symbolic purpose and does not alter existing laws but rather brings focus to an urgent public health crisis within the state. By recognizing this week, the legislature aims to promote discussions surrounding maternal health, encourage better healthcare access, and advocate for the elimination of barriers affecting Black mothers. This recognition may help pave the way for future policy initiatives aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates and improving health outcomes for marginalized communities.

Summary

SR202 is a resolution recognizing April 11 to 17, 2024, as Black Maternal Health Week in Kentucky. The resolution aims to raise awareness about the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality among Black women, highlighting statistics such as the maternal mortality rate of 69.9 per 100,000 births for Black women compared to 26.6 for white women. It emphasizes that more than 80% of pregnancy-related complications are preventable and seeks to inspire activism and community support for policies addressing these issues.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SR202 is one of support for health equity and raising awareness about a critical issue impacting the state. Advocates for Black maternal health have expressed enthusiasm about the resolution as it amplifies the significant disparities in maternal health outcomes and encourages community involvement. However, some discussions also point out the systemic challenges that remain unaddressed despite the resolution's recognition of the issue.

Contention

While the resolution receives widespread support for its intentions, there may be underlying contentions concerning the allocation of resources and governmental commitment towards real change in maternal health care systems. Critics could argue that mere recognition without concrete actions or funding may not suffice to genuinely address the health inequities highlighted. Furthermore, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of awareness campaigns versus actionable legislation that would directly impact the health care delivery systems for affected communities.