S. Res. 153 (Introduced in Senate) — Recognizing the week of April 11 through April 17, 2021, as “Black Maternal Health Week” to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.

(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 and morbidity 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)

safe and affordable housing;

(B)

transportation equity;

(C)

nutritious food;

(D)

clean air and 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;

(J)

a sustained workforce pipeline for diverse perinatal professionals; and

(K)

comprehensive, quality, and affordable healthcare with access to the full spectrum of reproductive 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;

(6)

that, in order to ensure access to safe and respectful maternal healthcare for Black women and birthing persons, Congress must pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021;

(7)

that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to—

(A)

raise national awareness of the state of Black maternal health in the United States;

(B)

amplify the voices of Black women and birthing persons, families, and communities;

(C)

serve as a national platform for—

(i)

entities led by Black women; and

(ii)

efforts on maternal health; and

(D)

enhance community organizing on Black maternal health; and

(8)

the significance of April 11 through April 17, 2021, as “Black Maternal Health Week”.

Recognizing the week of April 11 through April 17, 2021, as “Black Maternal Health Week” to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.

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