HRES332-119

That the House of Representatives recognizes 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 and unjust; 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; decriminalization, removal of civil penalties, end of surveillance, and end of mandatory reporting within the criminal and family regulation system; safety and freedom from violence, especially violence perpetrated by government actors; a living wage; equal economic opportunity; a sustained and expansive workforce pipeline for diverse perinatal professionals; and comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable health care including access to the full spectrum of reproductive care; in order to improve maternal health outcomes, Congress must fully support and encourage policies grounded in the human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks that address maternal health inequities; 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 other legislation rooted in human rights that seek to improve maternal care and outcomes; 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 Matter Alliance, inc., women, families, and stakeholders; provide a national platform for Black-led entities and efforts on maternal and mental health, birth equity, and reproductive justice; enhance community organizing on Black maternal health; and support efforts to increase funding and advance policies for Black-led and centered community-based organizations and perinatal birth workers that provide the full spectrum of reproductive, maternal, and sexual health care.