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Congress·In Committee·S.Res. 646

Black Midwives Day: Honoring Maternal Health Care

A resolution recognizing March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" and the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

2 days ago·View on Congress.gov
Part of: Designation of Black Midwives Day

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

  • This resolution names March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day." It honors the long history of Black midwives and their work helping mothers and babies stay safe during and after birth.
  • It highlights a serious health crisis: Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than White women. Midwives are seen as a key way to provide better, more personal care to help close this gap.
  • Many families live in "maternity care deserts," meaning they have no local hospitals or clinics for giving birth. The resolution supports midwives who can provide care in homes and small community centers to reach these families.
  • The plan calls for more federal funding to train new Black midwives. It also suggests that government health programs like Medicaid and TRICARE should always cover the costs of using a midwife.
  • Finally, it asks states to stop making it difficult or illegal for midwives to practice. It encourages the government to let midwives do the jobs they are trained for in whatever setting a parent chooses, including at home.

Milestones

1 milestone2 actions
Mar 17, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1094-1095)

Mar 17, 2026

Submitted in Senate

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

A resolution recognizing March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" and the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

Bill NumberSRES 646
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1094-1095)

Sponsor

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