Recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2024, as the seventh annual "Black Maternal Health Week".
The resolution recognizes the severity of the maternal health crisis among Black women, specifically noting that they are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women. The resolution emphasizes that these disparities exist regardless of income level, education, or socioeconomic status. By establishing this health week, it aims to promote dialogue, research, and community-driven solutions to improve health outcomes for Black mothers. The discussions around this topic intend to influence both healthcare policies and legislative reforms to ensure equitable healthcare access for all mothers.
HR1153 is a resolution that establishes the week of April 11 through April 17, 2024, as the seventh annual 'Black Maternal Health Week'. This designation is part of a larger initiative to address the critical issue of maternal health disparities affecting Black women and birthing people in the United States. The resolution acknowledges the alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women, which are disproportionately higher than their white counterparts. It highlights the need for awareness and action to mitigate these disparities, particularly in light of systemic and structural racism present in the healthcare system.
Notably, HR1153 advocates for the importance of acknowledging and addressing the impacts of racism on maternal health, pushing for policies that support safe and respectful maternal healthcare for Black birthing individuals. The resolution suggests a need for community-led initiatives to amplify the voices of Black Mamas, which in itself showcases a contention point regarding the inclusion of marginalized voices in health policymaking. The emphasis on reproductive justice and the call for reforms in the criminal justice system to eliminate punitive actions against pregnancy outcomes also signals a wider conversation about the intersectionality of health, race, and justice.