Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

Bill Number

H.Res. 231

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2025-06-06T14:17:56Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 231) aims to recognize March 14, 2025, as "Black Midwives Day" and honor the historical and ongoing contributions of Black midwives to improving maternal and infant health in the United States. It highlights the role of Black midwifery in addressing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, such as higher mortality and morbidity rates among Black birthing people (a term referring to individuals giving birth), and promotes culturally sensitive care to combat systemic issues like racism and limited access to services.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a detailed preamble outlining facts and concerns, followed by seven specific actions for the House of Representatives:

• Encourages federal, state, and local governments to support efforts to diversify the perinatal workforce (care providers for pregnancy and childbirth) and increase access to culturally appropriate maternal health care.
• Commits Congress to work with stakeholders on policies that promote health equity, tackle systemic racism, and advance Black midwifery.
• Calls for more funding for education, training, mentorship, and financial support for Black midwifery students and preceptors (experienced mentors); it also urges removal of barriers to accreditation for midwives trained through various pathways.
• Encourages federal and state governments to allow midwives to practice independently to the full scope of their training.
• Promotes funding for TRICARE (military health insurance) and Medicaid (government health program for low-income individuals) to cover maternity care by midwives from all training backgrounds.
• Urges governments to reduce stigma and legal penalties against midwifery in settings like homes, birth centers, clinics, or health units.
• Expressly supports and recognizes the contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

As a non-binding resolution, this measure does not amend or create new laws. Instead, it expresses the sense of the House of Representatives and serves as a symbolic statement to guide future policy discussions. It builds on existing concerns about maternal health disparities without directly altering statutes, but it could influence legislative priorities, such as expanding midwifery regulations or funding in related bills.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May prompt agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prioritize midwifery integration into programs like Medicaid, potentially leading to increased funding and training initiatives to address maternity care deserts (areas lacking obstetric services).
• On Citizens: Could improve access to affordable, culturally competent care for Black birthing people and families, reducing risks of maternal morbidity (serious pregnancy complications) and mortality, and supporting better infant health outcomes. It highlights preventable issues affecting Black communities across income and education levels.
• On International Relations: References United Nations recommendations on racial disparities in reproductive health, which could encourage U.S. alignment with global human rights standards, though direct impacts are minimal as this is a domestic resolution.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Black Midwives and Perinatal Workforce: Gain recognition and potential support for training, accreditation, and practice autonomy, addressing historical suppression and current barriers.
• Black Birthing People and Families: Benefit from increased access to trusted, culturally sensitive care, which could lower mortality rates (e.g., 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births for Black women vs. lower rates for others) and improve satisfaction and health equity.
• Government Entities: Federal, state, and local health departments and committees (e.g., Energy and Commerce, Armed Services) are called to act, potentially shifting resource allocation toward midwifery.
• Health Care Providers and Communities: Includes doulas (non-medical birth supporters), obstetricians, and community health workers; emphasizes holistic, community-based care to fill gaps in rural or underserved areas.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the National Black Midwives Alliance may see amplified visibility for campaigns on birth justice and reproductive rights.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Advocates decriminalizing and deregulating midwifery practices, which could challenge state laws that restrict direct-entry midwives (those trained outside medical schools), potentially reducing disparities exacerbated by overregulation. It aligns with calls to expand insurance coverage under programs like Medicaid, without mandating changes.
• Constitutional: Touches on equal protection under the 14th Amendment by addressing structural racism and social determinants of health (factors like poverty and discrimination affecting well-being), framing maternal health as a civil rights issue. It supports bodily autonomy in childbirth settings, echoing privacy rights in reproductive health decisions.
• Political: Raises awareness of intersecting issues like gender oppression and racial inequities, potentially influencing bipartisan support for maternal health reforms amid rising U.S. infant mortality (up 3% from 2021 to 2022). As an introduced resolution referred to committees, it signals congressional intent but requires further action to become impactful, possibly galvanizing advocacy for budget allocations or related legislation.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-03-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-03-18: Submitted in House
• 2025-03-18: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States. — issued 2025-03-18 — PDF (8 pages)