Resolution Demands Full-Year Postpartum Coverage and Community Care to Combat Black Maternal Health Crisis

This resolution is all about officially recognizing the week of April 11–17, 2025, as "Black Maternal Health Week." But don't let the name fool you—this isn't just a symbolic gesture. It’s a formal, data-driven declaration by Congress that the maternal health crisis in the U.S. is unacceptable, especially for Black women, and demands systemic fixes.

The Stark Reality: 2.3 Times the Risk

The core of the resolution lays out the brutal facts: Black women are 2.3 times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes. This disparity isn't limited to low-income groups; it cuts across all socioeconomic levels. The resolution points out that over 80% of these deaths are preventable, yet rates for Black women continue to climb, hitting 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. This is a crisis that kills people, and the resolution is essentially saying we can't look away anymore.

Beyond the Clinic: Systemic Barriers and "Maternity Care Deserts"

If you think this is just about getting a doctor’s appointment, think again. The resolution stresses that structural racism, gender bias, and where you live create massive barriers. It highlights the existence of "maternity care deserts"—areas, often rural or low-income urban, where there are no hospitals or providers offering obstetric care. For a pregnant person in one of these areas, getting routine care can mean hours of travel, turning a simple check-up into a major logistical and financial burden. This resolution directly links poor health outcomes to these systemic issues, including low Medicaid payments and staff shortages that further strain the system.

The Policy Fixes: Coverage and Community

So, what does this resolution actually push for? It calls for two major, concrete policy changes that affect everyday life. First, it advocates for making sure Black women get continuous health insurance coverage for at least one full year after giving birth. Right now, many lose coverage just 60 days postpartum, which is often when complications and mental health issues arise. Extending that coverage for a full year is critical for catching those preventable deaths. Second, it demands targeted investment in community-led maternity care. This means funding Black-led organizations and birth workers (like midwives and doulas) who provide culturally competent, holistic care. For a busy working parent, having accessible, trusted care in their own community can make all the difference in a healthy outcome.

The Big Picture: Housing, Jobs, and Justice

One of the most interesting parts of this resolution is how it connects maternal health to everything else. It argues that to truly fix this crisis, policy needs to address the social determinants of health. This means Congress should push for changes that ensure people have safe and affordable housing, economic stability, clean air and water, and even changes in the justice system. While this resolution itself doesn't legislate these massive changes—it's a declaration of intent—it sets a high bar for future bills. It means that when lawmakers talk about healthcare, they can no longer ignore the fact that housing stability and a living wage are also vital components of a healthy pregnancy. The resolution is a clear signal that the conversation is shifting from just medical treatment to comprehensive human rights and reproductive justice.