Louisiana House designates April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week

The Louisiana Legislature convened on April 16, 2025, to introduce House Resolution 22, a significant measure aimed at designating April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in the state. This resolution, proposed by Representative Carpenter, seeks to raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding maternal health, particularly for Black women, who face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality.

The resolution highlights alarming statistics, noting that Black women are more likely to experience preventable maternal deaths compared to their white counterparts. In 2020, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was reported at over fifty-five deaths per one hundred thousand live births, a figure that has only worsened in subsequent years. The resolution cites data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicating that maternal deaths in the U.S. rose from 861 in 2020 to 1,205 in 2021, with Louisiana ranking highest among all states for maternal mortality rates.

Key provisions of House Resolution 22 include a call to action for increased awareness and advocacy for Black maternal health issues, addressing systemic biases, socioeconomic disparities, and the need for improved access to quality healthcare. The resolution emphasizes that pregnancy and childbirth should not pose a risk to a woman's life, regardless of her socioeconomic status.

During the legislative discussions, there was notable support for the resolution, with advocates highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in healthcare practices. However, some opposition arose, primarily focused on concerns regarding the allocation of state resources for awareness campaigns versus direct healthcare improvements.

The implications of this resolution are significant, as it aims to foster dialogue and action around a pressing public health crisis. Experts in maternal health have praised the initiative, suggesting that it could lead to increased funding for maternal health programs and greater community engagement in addressing these disparities.

In conclusion, House Resolution 22 represents a critical step toward addressing the alarming rates of maternal mortality among Black women in Louisiana. By designating a week to focus on these issues, the legislature aims to promote awareness and drive necessary changes in healthcare policies and practices, ultimately striving to ensure that all women can experience pregnancy and childbirth safely.