A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2026, as "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. 675
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-16: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1824-1825)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-22T10:56:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 675) supports designating the week of April 11–17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week", founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. It aims to raise national awareness about the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the U.S., focusing on reducing high rates of maternal death (mortality) and serious pregnancy complications (morbidity) among Black women and birthing people.
Key Provisions
- Background Facts ("Whereas" Clauses): Highlights statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including:
- Black women are 2–3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women.
- U.S. maternal mortality rates are high (e.g., 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023), with Black women's rates rising to 50.3 in 2023 while others fell.
- Disparities persist across income, education, and socioeconomic levels; over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.
- Factors include structural racism, maternity care deserts (areas lacking obstetric services), COVID-19 effects, low vaccination rates, workplace issues, incarceration practices, and barriers for Black midwives/doulas.
- References the overturn of Roe v. Wade (1973 Supreme Court case on abortion rights) as impacting reproductive care.
- Senate Recognition ("Resolved" Section): Declares that:
- High Black maternal mortality/morbidity rates are unacceptable.
- Congress should address systemic racism by ensuring access to housing, food, clean environments, economic opportunity, diverse perinatal workers (e.g., midwives), and full reproductive care.
- Supports human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks.
- Calls for Black women/birthing people to participate in policy; urges legislation to end disparities.
- Views the designated week as a platform to amplify Black-led efforts, community organizing, and funding for maternal health solutions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution (sense of the Senate), expressing support and recognition without creating new laws, mandates, or enforceable requirements.
Potential Impacts
- Awareness and Discussion: Encourages national focus on Black maternal health disparities, potentially influencing public discourse, media coverage, and future legislation.
- Government Agencies: May prompt CDC, health departments, and Congress to prioritize related data collection, funding, or programs (e.g., postpartum insurance coverage).
- Citizens: Highlights preventable issues for Black women/birthing people, low-income/rural communities, and communities of color; no direct services or benefits provided.
- International Relations: None directly addressed.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: Black women and birthing people; Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc.; Black-led community organizations, midwives, doulas, and perinatal workers.
- Secondary: U.S. Senate (referred to Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions); federal health agencies (e.g., CDC); healthcare providers; low-income/rural communities; incarcerated individuals.
- Broader: Policymakers, families, and advocates for reproductive justice.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Symbolic only; no new rights, penalties, or funding allocated. References Roe v. Wade overturn as exacerbating issues but does not challenge it legally.
- Constitutional: Touches on equal protection (disparities despite socioeconomic factors) and reproductive rights but remains non-binding opinion.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsors (e.g., Booker, Duckworth); emphasizes racial equity, structural racism, and decriminalization (e.g., ending surveillance in pregnancy). Promotes "reproductive justice" and human rights frameworks, potentially polarizing debates on abortion, criminal justice, and healthcare equity. Calls for investment in community-led care without specifying appropriations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (15)
Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-16: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1824-1825)
- 2026-04-16: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2026, as 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 2026-04-16 — PDF (8 pages)