That the Senate recognizes—
the seventh annual “Black Maternal Health Week”; and
that—
Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States;
the alarmingly high rates of maternal mortality among Black women are unacceptable;
in order to better mitigate the effects of systemic and structural racism, Congress must work toward ensuring—
that the Black community has—
safe and affordable housing;
transportation equity;
nutritious food;
clean air and water;
environments free from toxins;
safety and freedom from violence;
a living wage;
equal economic opportunity;
a sustained and expansive workforce pipeline for diverse perinatal professionals; and
comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable health care with access to the full spectrum of reproductive care; and
reform of the criminal justice and family regulation systems to decriminalize pregnancy, remove civil penalties, end surveillance of families, and end mandatory reporting within the system;
in order to improve maternal health outcomes, Congress must fully support and encourage policies grounded in the human rights, reproductive justice policies, and birth justice frameworks that address Black maternal health inequity;
Black women and birthing people must be active participants in the policy decisions that impact their lives;
in order to ensure access to safe and respectful maternal health care for Black birthing people, Congress must pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act; and
“Black Maternal Health Week” is an opportunity to—
deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the United States;
amplify and invest in community-driven policy, research, and quality care solutions;
center the voices of Black mamas, women, families, and stakeholders;
provide a national platform for Black-led entities and efforts that promote maternal and mental health, safe and healthy births, and reproductive justice;
enhance community organizing on Black maternal health; and
support efforts to increase funding for, and advance policies that assist, Black-led and centered community-based organizations and perinatal birth workers that provide full spectrum reproductive, maternal, and sexual healthcare.