Committee approves resolution recognizing Black Midwives Day after debate over focus and inclusivity
March 22, 2025 | Children & Youth, House of Representatives, Legislative, Pennsylvania
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House Resolution 117, sponsored by Representative Mays, recognizing March 14, 2025 as Black Midwives Day in Pennsylvania, was approved by the House Children & Youth Committee, 14-12, after members debated committee jurisdiction and whether the resolution’s focus is appropriately framed.
Representative Mays (speaking online) framed the resolution as an effort to acknowledge the historical and ongoing role of Black midwives in improving maternal and infant health. “Midwives are another great intervention to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity,” Mays said, describing midwives’ role across hospital, birth center, community and home settings and noting research showing improved outcomes when Black midwives care for Black women. Mays also cited national organizing: the resolution aligns with a campaign led by the National Black Midwives Alliance to recognize the day as one of awareness, celebration and advocacy.
Representative Clunk urged re-referral to the Health Committee and said she was concerned the resolution might be perceived as divisive. “I do believe that this resolution could be seen, by some as divisive and not truly inclusive for all of the midwives who... support our moms and our babies across our state,” Clunk said, and indicated she would vote no on that basis despite support for midwives generally.
Representative Gina Curry pushed back on that characterization, arguing the resolution is about historical recognition and addressing disparities: “The part that’s divisive is the education around why this resolution is so important today... There are only 8% of Black midwives across this commonwealth right now,” Curry said, and described systemic barriers to increasing the workforce.
After debate, members moved to adopt the resolution; Representative Curry moved adoption and Representative Hambridge seconded. The committee recorded a roll-call vote and approved House Resolution 117, 14-12. Danielle, committee staff, read the staff summary noting support from the Pennsylvania affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives and no recorded opposition.
The committee reported the resolution to the House with the committee’s recommendation.
Representative Mays (speaking online) framed the resolution as an effort to acknowledge the historical and ongoing role of Black midwives in improving maternal and infant health. “Midwives are another great intervention to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity,” Mays said, describing midwives’ role across hospital, birth center, community and home settings and noting research showing improved outcomes when Black midwives care for Black women. Mays also cited national organizing: the resolution aligns with a campaign led by the National Black Midwives Alliance to recognize the day as one of awareness, celebration and advocacy.
Representative Clunk urged re-referral to the Health Committee and said she was concerned the resolution might be perceived as divisive. “I do believe that this resolution could be seen, by some as divisive and not truly inclusive for all of the midwives who... support our moms and our babies across our state,” Clunk said, and indicated she would vote no on that basis despite support for midwives generally.
Representative Gina Curry pushed back on that characterization, arguing the resolution is about historical recognition and addressing disparities: “The part that’s divisive is the education around why this resolution is so important today... There are only 8% of Black midwives across this commonwealth right now,” Curry said, and described systemic barriers to increasing the workforce.
After debate, members moved to adopt the resolution; Representative Curry moved adoption and Representative Hambridge seconded. The committee recorded a roll-call vote and approved House Resolution 117, 14-12. Danielle, committee staff, read the staff summary noting support from the Pennsylvania affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives and no recorded opposition.
The committee reported the resolution to the House with the committee’s recommendation.
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