Booker, Adams, Underwood Reintroduce Bicameral Black Maternal Health Week Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker along with U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) reintroduced a bicameral resolution recognizing April 11 through April 17 as Black Maternal Health Week. This resolution serves to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the critical need to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates among Black mothers.

In the United States, Black women face a maternal mortality rate two to three times that of white women, yet studies show that 80% of all maternal deaths are preventable. The resolution calls on Congress to support and promote policies addressing Black maternal health in order to address the ongoing Black maternal mortality crisis.

"Black mothers in the United States face high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and maternal morbidity," said Senator Booker. "We must do more to guarantee access to comprehensive care, remove the structural inequalities impacting Black families, and work to pass legislation that addresses the large disparity in care Black moms and their babies are facing. The Black Maternal Health Week Resolution is a week where we are called to bring attention and action to the maternal health crisis facing Black communities, and I'm working alongside my colleagues in the House to find meaningful solutions and ensure that improving Black maternal health is a top priority here in Congress.

"I am honored to reintroduce the 8^th annual Black Maternal Health Week resolution to draw attention to the ongoing Black maternal health crisis, because our mamas can't wait," said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Co-founder and Co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. "Since Rep. Lauren Underwood and I founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus in 2019, we have been committed to enacting lasting, data-driven solutions to bring an end to this crisis. That's why we are fighting to pass the Momnibus Act and make Black maternal health a critical priority for our country. We have the right legislation. It's time we protect our moms."

"Our country's Black maternal health crisis demands urgent action," said Congresswoman Underwood, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. "In 2019 I co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Congresswoman Alma Adams to respond to this crisis and advance evidence-based solutions that will save lives and end disparities. I'm thrilled to continue this work by introducing this resolution with Congresswoman Adams to recognize Black Maternal Health Week 2025, and I am grateful to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance for their leadership in establishing this critical week of awareness and action. We must continue to elevate Black maternal health as a national priority and pass the entire Momnibus."

"As we launch our 8th annual Black Maternal Health Week, we're reminded through this year's theme that healing happens through collective action and advocacy. It is crucial, especially now, that we acknowledge the historical and systemic injustices that continue to impact Black Maternal Health while also emphasizing our power to create change through solutions that center our communities," said BMMA, Inc. Co-Founder & Executive Director Angela D. Aina. "BMHW25 is about so much more than simply raising awareness-we're mobilizing resources, strengthening Black-led initiatives, and building systems that truly honor and protect Black mamas and birthing people. Our collective voices and actions are what will continue creating the foundation for a future where all Black families can thrive."

The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

A full list of endorsing organizations can be found here.

To read the full text of the resolution, click here.