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Notes

Recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2020, as “Black Maternal Health Week” to bring national attention to the United States maternal health crisis in the Black community and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.

H. Res. 926 · 116th Congress · Apr 17, 2020 · Lineage

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2020, as Black Maternal Health Week to bring national attention to the United States maternal health crisis in the Black community and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.

That the House of Representatives recognizes—
(1)
that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States;
(2)
that the alarmingly high rates of maternal mortality among Black women are unacceptable;
(3)
that, in order to better mitigate the effects of systemic and structural racism, Congress must work toward ensuring that the Black community has—
(A)
adequate housing;
(B)
transportation equity;
(C)
nutritious food;
(D)
clean water;
(E)
environments free from toxins;
(F)
fair treatment within the criminal justice system;
(G)
safety and freedom from violence;
(H)
a living wage;
(I)
equal economic opportunity; and
(J)
comprehensive, affordable health care;
(4)
that, in order to improve maternal health outcomes, Congress must fully support and encourage policies grounded in the human rights and reproductive justice frameworks that address Black maternal health inequity;
(5)
that Black women and birthing persons must be active participants in the policy decisions that impact their lives; and
(6)
that “Black Maternal Health Week” is an opportunity—
(A)
to raise national awareness of the state of Black maternal health in the United States;
(B)
to amplify the voices of Black women and birthing persons, families, and communities;
(C)
to serve as a national platform for—
(i)
entities led by Black women; and
(ii)
efforts on maternal health; and
(D)
to enhance community organizing on Black maternal health.