Recognizing “Black Maternal Health Week” to bring national attention to the maternal health care crisis in the Black community and the importance of reducing the rate of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women.

that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States;

that the alarmingly high rates of maternal mortality among Black women is unacceptable;

that Congress must work toward ensuring that the Black community has adequate housing, transportation equity, nutritious food, clean water, environments free from toxins, fair treatment within the criminal justice system, safety and freedom from violence, a living wage, and equal economic opportunity;

that in order to improve maternal health outcomes, Congress must fully support and encourage policies grounded in the human rights framework that addresses Black maternal health inequity;

that Black women must be active participants in the policy decisions that impact their lives;

that “Black Maternal Health Week” is an opportunity to increase attention of the state of Black maternal health in the United States, amplify the voices of Black women and families, serve as a national platform for Black-women-led entities and efforts on maternal health, and enhance community organizing on Black maternal health; and

the significance of April 11 through 17, 2018, as “Black Maternal Health Week”.