This resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" to raise awareness about maternal mortality, illness, and disparities, and to promote initiatives for equitable maternity care. It supports efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and honor those affected by pregnancy-related deaths.
Cory Booker
Senator
NJ
This resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" to raise awareness about maternal mortality, illness, and disparities in the United States. It supports initiatives to eliminate disparities in maternal health and ensure equitable maternity care for all women. The resolution also honors those who have died from pregnancy-related causes and promotes investments in improving maternal health outcomes.
January 23, 2025, Designated as 'Maternal Health Awareness Day': Focus on Rising Mortality Rates and Disparities
The U.S. is officially recognizing the growing crisis in maternal health. A new resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day," aiming to shine a spotlight on the alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the country, and to push for real solutions.
Facing the Facts: Maternal Mortality on the Rise
The resolution pulls no punches, acknowledging that around 800 women die each year in the U.S. from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes. What's even more concerning is that the maternal mortality ratio more than quadrupled between 1987 and 2021. The resolution points out a grim reality: the U.S. was one of the few countries where maternal mortality actually increased in 2020. The resolution states that a staggering 83.5% of these deaths are considered preventable, and up to 60,000 women suffer from severe, life-altering complications each year.
Disparities in Care: A Matter of Life and Death
The resolution doesn't shy away from the stark disparities in maternal health outcomes. It highlights that Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women face significantly higher mortality rates. If you're in a rural area, your risks are also elevated. This isn't just about statistics; it's about real people and systemic inequities that need to be addressed, head-on. The resolution notes that 47 states and D.C. have taken a step by extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum care to 12 months—a move that acknowledges the need for longer-term support.
Pushing for Solutions: From Community Care to Telehealth
It's not all doom and gloom. The resolution recognizes the potential of community-based maternal healthcare models. Think local support networks and accessible care tailored to specific community needs. It also emphasizes the importance of boosting the maternal healthcare workforce and expanding telehealth services—critical steps, especially for those in underserved areas. Imagine a new mom in a rural town being able to connect with a specialist via video call, rather than driving hours for a check-up. Or a community health worker providing culturally sensitive care and education to expecting mothers in their own neighborhood.
What It Means for You
This resolution is a call to action. It’s about raising awareness, so the shocking statistics on maternal health are no longer ignored. It encourages action at all levels to improve health outcomes for expecting mothers and their babies. By promoting equitable maternity care, the resolution demands that every woman, regardless of her race, ethnicity, or location, has access to the quality care she deserves. This day supports investments in maternal health, honoring those lost to pregnancy-related causes, and building a better, safer system for future generations.