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Senate adopts resolution declaring Maternal Health Awareness Day
Summary
The Senate adopted SCR 9, designating a maternal health awareness day and citing maternal mortality causes and racial disparities; senators called for better screening, mental-health support and coordinated care.
The California State Senate unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 (SCR 9), declaring a Maternal Health Awareness Day and urging heightened attention to pregnancy-related maternal health issues.
Senator Weber Pearson, who introduced the measure, said: "Maternal health in The United States is at a very critical juncture." He cited heart disease, hemorrhage, infection and embolism as leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths and highlighted postpartum mental-health conditions as contributing factors.
Why it matters: The resolution emphasizes screening, treatment and support to reduce maternal mortality and calls attention to persistent racial disparities. Senator Weber Pearson noted that Black women represent a disproportionate share of pregnancy-related deaths in California despite accounting for a smaller share of pregnancies.
Floor discussion touched on statewide programs and funding needs. Senator Becker expressed support and said she had spent time learning about efforts by the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative and urged continued funding for related work.
The measure passed by unanimous roll call (Ayes 35, No 0). The resolution is nonbinding but signals the Legislature’s intent to elevate maternal-health priorities and monitor health equity concerns across hospitals, birth centers and community providers.
Ending: Supporters urged ongoing attention to maternal mental-health services, screening and equitable access to maternity care statewide.
