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Michigan House proclaims April 11–17, 2026 Black Maternal Health Week, citing stark disparities
Summary
Representative Meyers Phillips introduced and the House adopted a resolution declaring April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week, highlighting that Black women are "three to four times more likely" to die from pregnancy-related complications and citing higher local pre-term and infant mortality rates.
Representative Meyers Phillips introduced House Resolution 287 to designate April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Michigan and delivered a floor statement urging action on racial disparities in maternal and infant outcomes. Meyers Phillips told colleagues that "black women are three to four times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy related complications," cited studies showing persistent false beliefs among medical trainees about biological differences, and said local figures — including a Detroit pre-term birth rate exceeding 16% — show Michigan still faces serious inequities.
"This resolution is a call to recognition, to listen, and to action," Meyers Phillips said, urging colleagues to support investments in postpartum coverage, workplace protections such as paid leave, and programs like RX Kids and Michigan Reconnect that she said help mothers and families. She framed the resolution as both a recognition and an ask for policy attention to reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths.
The House approved the resolution by voice vote when the question was put. The transcript does not record amendments or a roll-call tally for the resolution's adoption.
