Summary of Senate Resolution S.Res. 675 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Purpose and Intent

• S. Res. 675 designates the week of April 11–17, 2026, as “Black Maternal Health Week.”
• The designation honors the work of Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. and aims to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis affecting Black women and birthing people in the United States.
• The resolution emphasizes reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black communities and situates the designation within broader concerns about health equity, racism, and access to care.

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed

• Formal designation: Recognizes April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week.
• Statement of findings: The resolution lists a series of findings about disparities in maternal health:
  • Black women have disproportionately higher maternal mortality and morbidity rates compared to White women; CDC data show Black women’s maternal mortality rate remains markedly higher.
  • Black women are more likely to experience pregnancy complications and preterm/low birth weight births.
  • Many pregnancy-related deaths are preventable; leading causes include obstetric embolism, hemorrhage, eclampsia/preeclampsia, and postpartum cardiomyopathy.
  • Structural racism, social determinants of health, and inequities in healthcare contribute to these disparities.
  • The overturn of Roe v. Wade has implications for reproductive autonomy and access to care, particularly for Black women.
  • Communities of color face maternity care deserts and barriers to care due to Medicaid reimbursement, costs, and workforce shortages.
  • Black midwives, doulas, perinatal health workers, and community organizations provide essential care but face barriers to licensure, reimbursement, and care provision.
  • The importance of mental health care access, prenatal/postpartum care, and protections in the workplace for pregnant workers.
• Policy emphases and guidance:
  • Advocates for policies rooted in human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice to address maternal health inequities.
  • Encourages active participation of Black women and birthing people in policy decisions affecting their lives.
  • Calls for legislation aimed at ending preventable maternal mortality and disparities, and for broader health resources to support Black communities.
  • Promotes a holistic approach including housing, transportation, nutritious food, clean environments, and freedom from discrimination and punitive systems.
  • Supports a sustained workforce pipeline for diverse perinatal professionals and comprehensive, affordable reproductive health care.
• Goals of the designation:
  • Deepen national conversation on Black maternal health.
  • Invest in community-driven policy, research, and high-quality care solutions.
  • Center the voices of Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. and related stakeholders.
  • Provide a national platform for Black-led efforts on maternal/mental health, birth equity, and reproductive justice.
  • Boost funding and policies that empower Black-led community-based organizations and perinatal birth workers.

Who and What Would Be Affected

• Black women and Black birthing people are the primary focus, including those across income, education, and socioeconomic status.
• Communities of color and regions with limited access to obstetric care (maternity care deserts) would be indirectly affected through the emphasis on improved access, insurance coverage, and workforce development.
• Black midwives, doulas, perinatal health workers, and community organizations could see heightened recognition and calls for better licensure, reimbursement, and support.
• Policymakers and the public would be nudged to consider human rights-based and race-conscious approaches to maternal health care policy.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

• Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The resolution is a formal acknowledgment and does not itself establish new statutory or funding authorizations.
• Sponsors and supporters: Led by Senator offices including Bill sponsors and multiple co-sponsors from both major parties, reflecting bipartisan interest in maternal health equity.
• Timing: The designation targets the specific week in April 2026; if enacted, federal observance would occur nationwide in that timeframe.

Impact and Significance

• The resolution is largely symbolic but serves as an official congressional acknowledgment of Black maternal health disparities and a call to action for policies and investments to lessen mortality and morbidity.
• By framing the issue within human rights and reproductive justice frameworks, it may influence future legislative priorities, funding, and public messaging around maternal health, racial equity, and access to comprehensive reproductive care.