Supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual "Black Maternal Health Week", founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people.
The resolution outlines the staggering statistics that demonstrate the severity of the issue: Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. It also advocates for a broader conversation about maternal health that examines the structural racism and social determinants of health impacting Black communities. Among other recommendations, the resolution calls for investments in comprehensive healthcare, crucial community-support services, and the empowerment of Black women in policy decisions that affect their lives.
House Resolution 332 aims to support the designation of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual 'Black Maternal Health Week'. This initiative, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, seeks to draw national attention to the critical maternal and reproductive health crisis affecting Black women in the United States. The resolution highlights the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity experienced by Black women, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes to improve maternal health outcomes for this demographic.
In conclusion, HR332 serves as both a recognition of the ongoing maternal health crisis for Black women and a call to action for lawmakers and communities to commit to meaningful reforms. The initiative not only seeks to raise awareness but also aims to provoke necessary discussions and policies that ensure safe, respectful, and equitable maternal healthcare for Black birthing people.
Notably, the resolution asserts that the alarming trends related to maternal health inequities stem from systemic barriers and discrimination, which jeopardize the well-being of Black pregnant women. It further argues that the overturn of Roe v. Wade poses an additional threat to the reproductive rights of Black women, exacerbating their health challenges. The call to action emphasizes the importance of a collaborative effort to address these disparities and centers community-driven solutions that prioritize the voices of Black mothers.