Recognizing Black Maternal Health Week and Addressing Systemic Health Disparities
The US Senate formally recognizes Black Maternal Health Week to highlight a severe public health crisis where Black women are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. The resolution attributes these alarming disparities to structural racism and calls upon Congress to act. The goal is to ensure comprehensive, non-discriminatory healthcare, social support, and justice system reform to improve maternal safety and health outcomes.
Key points
Official recognition aims to raise national awareness of the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women, regardless of income or education.
Calls on Congress to invest in maternity care free from racial and gender discrimination and to ensure continuous health insurance coverage for up to one year postpartum.
Demands reform of the justice system to decriminalize pregnancy, end family surveillance, and remove civil penalties related to pregnancy outcomes.
Stresses the necessity of providing Black communities with essential resources like safe housing, nutritious food, clean environment, and a living wage, as these are crucial for maternal health.
Expired
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