A resolution designating January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 32
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S339-340)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07T20:55:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 32) aims to designate January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day." It seeks to highlight the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States, address disparities in maternal health outcomes, and encourage actions to improve maternal safety and care.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes extensive background ("Whereas" clauses) on maternal health challenges, followed by specific directives ("Resolved" clauses):
- Background Facts:
- Approximately 800 women die annually from pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications in the U.S., with the mortality rate (deaths per 100,000 live births) more than quadrupling from 1987 to 2021.
- The U.S. saw a significant increase in maternal mortality in 2020, unlike most countries.
- Most deaths (83.5%) are preventable; timing includes during pregnancy (25.7%), childbirth (11.1%), and various postpartum periods.
- Up to 60,000 women experience severe maternal morbidity (unexpected health issues from labor/delivery with lasting effects) each year.
- About 20% of mothers report mistreatment during care; 10-20% face postpartum depression, often undiagnosed due to insufficient screening.
- Disparities affect Black women (nearly 3x higher mortality than White women), American Indian/Alaska Native women (over 2x higher), rural residents, and low-income areas; 59% of rural counties lack maternity services ("maternity care deserts").
- Progress includes 47 states extending Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months, 49 states with maternal mortality review committees, and widespread participation in safety initiatives.
- Promising solutions: community-based care (e.g., midwives, doulas), telehealth, workforce expansion, and education on disparities and prevention.
- Actions Designated:
- Designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day."
- Supports goals like raising awareness of mortality, morbidity, and disparities; encourages federal, state, local, tribal, and community actions to reduce adverse outcomes.
- Promotes initiatives to eliminate disparities and ensure respectful, equitable maternity care.
- Honors women who died from pregnancy-related causes.
- Calls for investments in maternal health improvements, disparity reduction, and equitable care.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on ongoing efforts (e.g., state Medicaid extensions and review committees) by providing symbolic recognition and encouragement for awareness and action, without creating new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases public awareness of maternal health risks, potentially leading to better screening, reporting of issues, and demand for equitable care; may empower women, especially in underserved groups, to seek timely help and reduce preventable deaths/morbidity.
- On Government Agencies: Encourages federal, state, and local entities (e.g., health departments) to prioritize maternal health initiatives, such as expanding telehealth or community programs, though without funding mandates.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but highlights U.S. maternal mortality trends compared to global standards, potentially influencing international health discussions or aid policies.
- Overall, impacts are primarily educational and motivational, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address preventable issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Pregnant and Postpartum Women: Directly impacted, particularly Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, rural, and low-income women facing higher risks and disparities.
- Healthcare Providers: Physicians, midwives, doulas, and community health workers encouraged to adopt respectful practices, improve screening, and participate in safety programs.
- Government and Public Health Organizations: Federal agencies (e.g., CDC), states, tribes, and groups like the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health, urged to review deaths, expand access, and invest in workforce/telehealth.
- Communities and Families: Rural and urban residents, including those in maternity care deserts, benefiting from awareness of travel distances (e.g., 17-28 miles for services) and support models.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations educating on disparities and prevention, supported in their initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval; it reinforces existing public health frameworks without altering rights or obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting general welfare (Article I, Section 8); no conflicts with free speech, privacy, or equal protection, but underscores equity in healthcare access.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties, including Democrats and Republicans), signaling broad consensus on maternal health as a priority; may influence future legislation on funding or policy reforms, while highlighting systemic issues like racial and rural disparities without partisan blame.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S339-340)
- 2025-01-23: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating January 23, 2025, as Maternal Health Awareness Day. — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (6 pages)