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Bill

HR 59

A resolution to declare April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in the state of Michigan.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 35 co-sponsors

Designates Apr 11-17, 2025 as Black Maternal Health Week in Michigan to raise awareness of Black maternal health disparities and spur community action; ceremonial, nonbinding.

adopted
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Bill Summary · HR 59

Summary — HR 59 (Michigan House Resolution)

Status: Adopted
Introduced: April 16, 2025 (House)
Final adoption: April 28, 2025 (Read by title; roll call yeas 80, nays 0). Enrolled April 29; presented to Secretary of State May 5, 2025.
Classification: House resolution (designation, non‑binding)

Purpose and intent

HR 59 declares April 11–17, 2025, as "Black Maternal Health Week" in the state of Michigan. The resolution’s stated intent is to raise public awareness about disparities in maternal health that disproportionately affect Black women, to show legislative solidarity with Black mothers and families, and to encourage community programs, education, and action to improve Black maternal health outcomes.

Key provisions

  • Officially designates April 11–17, 2025 as Black Maternal Health Week in Michigan.
  • Recognizes national context: the United States has among the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries and that Black women face pregnancy‑related death at rates 3–4 times higher than white women irrespective of income or education.
  • Notes that Black Maternal Health Week (founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance) focuses on amplifying Black mothers’ voices and centering Black‑led solutions.
  • Encourages Michigan residents, community groups, and organizations to observe the week through programs, activities, conversations, and actions that promote awareness, education, and policy attention to Black maternal health.

Who is affected

  • Directly: Black mothers, birthing people, families, maternal‑health advocates, and community organizations in Michigan (symbolic recognition and public awareness).
  • Indirectly: Healthcare providers, public health agencies, policymakers, and the broader public who may engage in observances or follow‑on initiatives prompted by the designation.

Legal and fiscal impact

  • This is a ceremonial, non‑binding resolution. It does not create new law, allocate funding, or impose regulatory requirements.
  • The resolution serves primarily as a statement of recognition and a call to community and governmental attention.

Sponsors and procedural notes

  • Lead/author: Representative Tonya Myers‑Phillips (introduced 04/16/2025); adopted version lists numerous House members as sponsors and co‑sponsors.
  • Vote on final passage: unanimous recorded adoption (80–0 on 04/28/2025).
  • Related measure: HCR 65 (companion).

This resolution is intended to promote awareness and stimulate community and policy discussions about racial disparities in maternal health, without creating statutory obligations or funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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