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SR 713

BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK

104th Regular Session Introduced by Lakesia Collins and 6 co-sponsors

Designates April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Illinois to raise awareness and reinforce commitment to equitable, culturally competent maternal care.

Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Mattie Hunter
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 713

Summary of Illinois Senate Resolution SR0713 (104th General Assembly)

Purpose and Intent

  • SR0713 designates a period known as Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–April 17) in Illinois for the year 2026, aligning with national advocacy led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance.
  • The resolution aims to raise awareness about Black maternal health disparities, recognize efforts across Illinois to improve outcomes, and reaffirm commitment to policies and partnerships that advance equity in maternal healthcare.
  • It highlights the critical need for culturally competent, community-centered care and the role of collaborations among government, health systems, and community organizations.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official Recognition: Proclaims April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Illinois.
  • Commendation: Commends organizations, health care providers, managed care entities, and community leaders—including Meridian Health Plan’s MomCare initiative—for efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and advance health equity.
  • Policy Commitment: Reaffirms the Legislature’s commitment to supporting policies, programs, and partnerships that reduce maternal health disparities and ensure access to high-quality, culturally competent care for all mothers in Illinois.
  • Encouragement of Partnerships: Endorses continued public-private partnerships and innovative care delivery models that expand access, improve maternal health outcomes, and strengthen accountability across the maternal health ecosystem.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Directly affects Illinois state recognition and messaging around Black maternal health.
  • Signals support for initiatives and programs across public and private sectors involved in maternal health, including managed care plans, community-based organizations, doulas, midwives, health care providers, and public health systems.
  • The resolution references Meridian Health Plan’s MomCare program as an example of integrated, community-engaged care models.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Action History indicates passage and adoption on April 16, 2026.
  • The resolution was filed and referred earlier in April 2026 for consideration, with multiple co-sponsors added during the process.
  • Effective date for the designation is the week of April 11–17, 2026, as declared by the Senate.

Notable Details

  • Emphasizes the ongoing inequities in maternal morbidity and mortality for Black women in the United States and the need for systemic change.
  • Calls for culturally competent care and community-driven solutions, noting the importance of care coordination, education, and social support services.
  • Encourages expansion of care delivery models and accountability mechanisms within Illinois’ maternal health ecosystem.

Overall, SR0713 serves as an official occasion to spotlight Black maternal health issues in Illinois, honor ongoing efforts, and reinforce commitments to equitable, high-quality maternal care across the state.

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

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