Booker, Adams, Moore, Underwood Reintroduce Resolution Commemorating Black Midwives Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with U.S. Representatives Alma S. Adams (D-NC-12), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), reintroduced a resolution commemorating Black Midwives Day. This resolution honors the invaluable contributions of Black midwives to advancing reproductive justice and improving maternal and infant health in the United States and encourages Congress to proactively work to mitigate racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Black Americans face disproportionately higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, experiencing life-threatening pregnancy complications twice as often as White Americans. Black midwives are on the front lines of this crisis, collaborating with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other reproductive health professionals to ensure access to affordable, holistic, and culturally congruent care.

"Black midwives have cared for mothers, babies, and families for generations, often stepping in where our health care system has fallen short. Their tireless work has helped address the disparities that leave Black women far more likely to face life-threatening pregnancy complications and maternal mortality," said Senator Booker. "This resolution honors the historic and lifesaving contributions of Black midwives and reaffirms our commitment to continuing the work needed to address the Black maternal health crisis and ensure every mother has access to high-quality health care."

"Black midwifery is a centuries-old tradition, with deep roots in Black history, tradition, culture, and maternal health," said Representative Adams. "When medical discrimination left Black families without access to care, Black midwives were the main source of perinatal care for generations. As we face a very real Black maternal health crisis today, we owe it to their legacy to commit ourselves to overcoming racial discrimination in healthcare and keeping our mothers safe."

"Black midwives carry forward generations of knowledge and practices that have supported families for decades," said Representative Moore. "This resolution both celebrates the vital role Black midwives play in advancing reproductive justice and calls on federal, state, and local governments to recognize Black midwifery as a model for patient-centered, culturally responsive care that helps overcome systemic barriers and leads to healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies."

"For centuries, Black midwives have played an invaluable role in making sure moms and babies receive culturally competent care and lifesaving support," said Representative Underwood. "As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I'm so proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to uplift the contributions of Black midwives, both past and present, and the critical work that they do to end disparities. Their commitment to making sure that childbirth is a time filled with joy for every family should be celebrated and remembered."

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