Black Midwives Day; recognize March 14, 2025

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tonya Anderson and 11 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution 398 designates March 14, 2025, as Black Midwives Day in Georgia, honoring their vital role in improving maternal health for Black families.

Senate Read and Referred

Purpose and Intent

Senate Resolution 398 aims to officially recognize March 14, 2025, as Black Midwives Day in the state of Georgia. The resolution seeks to honor the significant contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health, particularly in addressing disparities faced by Black birthing individuals and their families.

Key Provisions

Recognition of Contributions: The resolution acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of Black midwives in Georgia, highlighting their role in improving maternal health outcomes.

National Observance: March 14 is recognized nationally as Black Midwives Day, emphasizing the importance of this observance in raising awareness about the contributions of Black midwives.

Highlighting Individuals: The resolution names several prominent Black midwives and student midwives in Georgia, showcasing their impact on the community and the midwifery profession.

Addressing Health Disparities: It points out the need for increased access to midwifery care, particularly in areas identified as maternity care deserts, where access to hospitals and obstetric providers is limited.

Support for Midwifery Education: The resolution calls attention to the challenges faced by Black student midwives, including barriers to quality training and credentialing, and emphasizes the need for supportive pathways to practice midwifery.

Impact

Community Health: By recognizing Black Midwives Day, the resolution aims to draw attention to the critical role that midwives play in improving health outcomes for Black families, particularly in light of the high maternal mortality rates among Black birthing individuals.

Policy Advocacy: The resolution encourages community-driven policies and programs that support midwifery as a viable and essential part of the healthcare system in Georgia.

Cultural Relevance: It advocates for midwives who understand the cultural, religious, and linguistic needs of the communities they serve, thereby fostering a more inclusive healthcare environment.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: March 13, 2025

Status: The resolution has been read and referred to the appropriate Senate committee as of March 18, 2025.

Distribution: The Secretary of the Senate is tasked with making copies of the resolution available for public distribution, ensuring that the recognition reaches a broad audience.

Conclusion

Senate Resolution 398 serves as an important acknowledgment of the vital role that Black midwives play in maternal and infant health in Georgia. By designating March 14, 2025, as Black Midwives Day, the resolution aims to foster greater awareness and support for midwifery practices that address health disparities and improve outcomes for Black birthing individuals.

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