Summary of HRES 231 — Recognizing the contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health

Overview

HRES 231 is a House of Representatives resolution introduced on March 18, 2025 by Rep. Gwen Moore (with Reps. Alma S. Adams and Lauren Underwood as cosponsors). The resolution is non-binding and expresses the House’s recognition of the longstanding contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health and outlines policy directions aimed at addressing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. It has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and, in addition, to the Committee on Armed Services.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

1) Encourage governments at federal, state, and local levels to address racial disparities in maternal health by supporting efforts to diversify the perinatal workforce and expand access to culturally congruent care.

2) Commit to collaborating with stakeholders to develop and enact policy solutions that promote health equity, address systemic racism, and advance Black midwifery.

3) Call for increased funding and support for:
- education and training,
- access to Black preceptors,
- removal of barriers to preceptors,
- financial pathways for students and preceptors,
- mentorship programs focused on sustaining Black midwifery,
- recognition of midwives across all training pathways and improvements to accreditation processes.

4) Encourage the federal and state governments to authorize autonomous practice by midwives to the full extent of their training.

5) Promote the authorization or reauthorization of funding for TRICARE and Medicaid coverage of maternity care provided by midwives across all training pathways.

6) Urge governments to destigmatize and decriminalize midwifery pathways in pregnant persons’ chosen settings (homes, birth centers, clinics, or health units).

7) Recognize and celebrate the longstanding contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

Who/What is Affected

• Perinatal workforce, specifically Black midwives and midwives trained through all training pathways.
• Education and training programs, preceptors (particularly Black preceptors), and accreditation processes.
• Funding streams for education, training, mentorship, and for midwifery-related services.
• Federal and state health programs, including TRICARE and Medicaid, with respect to maternity care coverage by midwives.
• Policy stakeholders and organizations involved in maternal health equity, racial disparities, and health workforce diversification.
• Patients and pregnant persons seeking maternity care, particularly in contexts prioritizing culturally congruent care.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Introduced: March 18, 2025.
• Status: Submitted in the House; referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and, additionally, to the Committee on Armed Services for consideration of provisions within their jurisdiction.
• Nature of legislation: A resolution (non-binding) expressing the sense of the House and urging actions; does not itself create new law or authorize new federal programs, but can guide policy discussions and potential future legislation.

Sponsorship

• Primary: Rep. Gwen Moore
• Cosponsors: Rep. Alma S. Adams, Rep. Lauren Underwood

Notes for Readers

• As a non-binding House resolution, HRES 231 signals congressional interest in advancing Black midwifery and health equity and may influence future policy debates, funding proposals, or legislation. Concrete impact would depend on subsequent congressional action, including any new statutes, appropriations, or regulatory changes that align with the resolution’s aims.