A resolution 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., 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.

Bill Number: S.Res. 172
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-04-10: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2570-2571)
Last Updated: 2026-06-16T15:08:00Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 172) supports designating the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual "Black Maternal Health Week." It aims to raise national awareness about the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States, with a focus on reducing high rates of death and serious health issues (mortality and morbidity) during and after pregnancy among Black women and birthing people. The resolution was founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., and highlights systemic inequities affecting these groups.

Key Provisions

Background and Statistics: The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses outlining key facts, such as:
Black women are 2-3 times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes, with rates of 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023 (compared to decreases for other groups).
Black women face higher rates of pregnancy complications (morbidities), premature births, low birth weight infants, cesarean sections, and preventable deaths (over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are avoidable).
U.S. maternal mortality rates are the highest among wealthy nations (e.g., 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023), driven by inequities like structural racism, poverty, limited access to care, and impacts from events like the overturn of Roe v. Wade (a 1973 Supreme Court case on abortion rights) and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barriers include maternity care deserts (areas with few or no obstetric services), low reimbursement for Medicaid (a government health program for low-income people), workplace discrimination, criminal justice issues (e.g., shackling during labor), and limited mental health support.
Recognitions and Calls to Action: The "Resolved" section states that the Senate:
Acknowledges the unacceptable and unjust high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity for Black women.
Urges Congress to address systemic racism by ensuring access to safe housing, transportation, nutritious food, clean environments, economic opportunities, and comprehensive health care, including reproductive services.
Supports policies based on human rights, reproductive justice (ensuring control over reproductive decisions), and birth justice (fair treatment in childbirth).
Emphasizes involving Black women in policy decisions and passing legislation like the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (a proposed bill to improve maternal care).
Promotes Black Maternal Health Week as a platform to deepen discussions, amplify community voices, support Black-led organizations, and increase funding for maternal health services.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the Senate's opinion and does not create new laws, enforce rules, or alter existing statutes. It introduces no legal changes but encourages future legislative action, such as supporting the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.

Potential Impacts

On Citizens: Could increase public awareness of racial disparities in maternal health, potentially leading to better access to prenatal, postpartum, and mental health care for Black women and birthing people. It highlights needs for community-based care (e.g., by Black midwives and doulas—trained non-medical birth supporters) and extended postpartum insurance coverage (at least one year after birth).
On Government Agencies: May prompt agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC—a federal health agency) to prioritize data collection and prevention efforts. It could influence federal funding for maternal health programs, Medicaid expansions, and anti-discrimination policies in health care and workplaces.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores U.S. maternal health challenges compared to other affluent countries, potentially affecting global perceptions of U.S. health equity.
Overall, impacts are primarily symbolic and educational, fostering advocacy rather than immediate enforceable changes.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Black Women and Birthing People: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution addresses their disproportionate health risks and barriers to care.
Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., and Community Organizations: Highlighted as leaders in advocacy, with calls for investment in Black-led perinatal (pregnancy-related) health workers and programs.
Health Care Providers and Midwives/Doulas: Face noted barriers to licensure and reimbursement; the resolution supports expanding their roles.
Communities of Color, Especially in Low-Income/Rural Areas: Affected by care deserts, economic inequities, and social determinants of health (factors like housing and income that influence well-being).
Congress and Policymakers: Urged to act on recommendations, including passing related bills.
Incarcerated Individuals and Families: Addresses punitive practices in criminal justice systems impacting pregnancy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Non-binding nature means no enforceable obligations, but it references constitutional concerns like bodily autonomy (personal control over one's body, tied to reproductive rights post-Roe v. Wade overturn) and equal protection under the law (14th Amendment principle against discrimination).
Constitutional: Touches on issues of racial and gender equity, potentially invoking equal protection and due process rights, but does not challenge or amend the Constitution.
Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of senators) for racial justice in health care, advancing reproductive and birth justice movements. It could build momentum for binding legislation amid ongoing debates on abortion access, Medicaid funding, and anti-racism policies, without partisan bias in the text.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

Cosponsors (18)

Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

Recent Actions

2025-04-10: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2570-2571)
2025-04-10: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

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., 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. — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (8 pages)