Baltimore City Council promotes black maternal health initiatives led by Councilwoman Felicia Porter

Baltimore City Council's Public Health & Environment Committee meeting on May 14, 2025, highlighted significant strides in addressing maternal health, particularly for Black mothers. Councilwoman Felicia Porter emphasized the urgent need for actionable change in Black maternal health, supported by compelling testimonies from community advocates.

During the meeting, discussions centered on the rights of pregnant individuals, including access to paternity leave and the establishment of lactation rooms in city buildings. Council members expressed a commitment to ensuring that accommodations for lactating mothers are comfortable and accessible, with plans to follow up on the availability of these facilities in City Hall and other city buildings.

Lydia Harris, a full-spectrum doula, passionately endorsed Councilwoman Porter's agenda, stressing that prioritizing Black mothers is essential for improving health outcomes for all women. She highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives and the need for resources to support those directly involved in maternal health work.

Anna Rodney, founder of MomCares and director of public policy for the Doula Alliance of Maryland, echoed these sentiments, sharing her experiences in supporting Black families through high-risk pregnancies. She called for increased engagement with the Medicaid system to ensure doulas can effectively serve families in need.

The meeting underscored the critical role of fathers and partners in maternal health, with council members acknowledging the need for comprehensive support systems that include all caregivers. The discussions set a hopeful tone for future initiatives aimed at reducing racial disparities in maternal health and fostering community engagement.

As the council moves forward, the commitment to enhancing maternal health services in Baltimore remains a priority, with a focus on collaboration between city officials and community advocates to create lasting change.