Mississippi House Bill HR120

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/25
• Refer: 3/27/25
• Failed: 4/3/25

Caption

Black Maternal Health Week; recognize April 11 through 17, 2025, as.

Impact

The resolution aims to foster a deeper national conversation regarding Black maternal health, emphasizing the need for community-driven solutions. It calls for investments in maternal health initiatives within Black communities, which include reliable access to comprehensive healthcare that is free from gender and racial discrimination. Moreover, it underscores the importance of cultural congruence in the healthcare models that serve these communities, pointing out that the current healthcare landscape often exacerbates inequities faced by Black mothers.

Summary

House Resolution 120 recognizes the week of April 11 through 17, 2025, as 'Black Maternal Health Week' to bring attention to the critical issue of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons. This resolution highlights the disproportionate impact of maternal health crises on Black communities, emphasizing that Black women are two to three times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related causes compared to their White counterparts. The recognition of this week serves as a platform to amplify voices and policy efforts aimed at addressing systemic barriers to maternal healthcare for Black mothers.

Contention

The resolution reflects ongoing societal debates regarding healthcare access, justice-influenced care, and the repercussions of systemic racism. As it argues for prioritizing the health needs of Black women, it highlights the critical need for comprehensive supports, including mental health services and reasonable workplace accommodations during and after pregnancy. There are notable concerns and discussions surrounding policies, such as the implications of Roe v. Wade's repeal, which further complicate access to reproductive healthcare for Black women and could perpetuate discrimination within healthcare settings.