HRES662-119

That the House of Representatives recognizes— that systemic and institutional racism creates greater barriers for Black women committed to meeting breastfeeding guidelines set out by Federal public health officials; that these barriers contribute to increasing health disparities leaving Black mothers and infants particularly vulnerable; that disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and the alarmingly high rates of maternal mortality among Black women are unacceptable; that Congress must fully support and encourage policies that ensure Black parents have access to affordable health care, allow parents to take paid leave after the birth of a child, and ensure that breastfeeding mothers have appropriate places to express breast milk; and that, in order to better mitigate the effects of systemic and structural racism, Congress must work toward ensuring that Black communities have— 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; equal economic opportunity; and comprehensive, quality, and affordable health care.