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HR 120

Black Maternal Health Week; recognize April 11 through 17, 2025, as.

2025 Regular Session

Mississippi bill designates April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week to raise awareness of maternal mortality disparities affecting Black women.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HR 120

Legislative bill overview

HR 120 proposes to designate April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in Mississippi. This is a commemorative resolution rather than legislation that creates new programs or funding—it formally recognizes a week to raise awareness about maternal health disparities affecting Black women.

Why is this important

Black women in the U.S. experience significantly higher maternal mortality and morbidity rates compared to white women, a documented public health disparity. Designating an awareness week can help draw attention to this issue, support advocacy efforts, and potentially encourage policymakers to prioritize related health initiatives and research.

Potential points of contention

  • Symbolic vs. substantive action: Critics may argue that naming a week does nothing to address underlying healthcare system problems and represents performative activism rather than meaningful policy change
  • Scope of federal/state role: Some may question whether state legislatures should dedicate time to symbolic resolutions when concrete legislative solutions (funding, healthcare access reforms) remain unaddressed
  • Selective recognition: Debate over whether designating specific demographic groups for health weeks is appropriate or whether focus should remain on universal maternal health improvements

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

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