House Resolution No. by Representative Carpenter designates April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in Louisiana. This resolution highlights the significant disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly for black women, who are disproportionately affected by preventable maternal deaths. In Louisiana, black mothers are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to their white counterparts, a situation exacerbated by factors such as systemic bias, socioeconomic challenges, and limited access to quality healthcare. The resolution emphasizes the importance of addressing these disparities and improving health outcomes for all women during pregnancy and childbirth.

The resolution also calls for increased awareness and support for initiatives aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare, particularly for black mothers. It recognizes the role of healthcare providers in identifying and treating maternal complications and advocates for the expansion of services such as telehealth, midwives, and doulas to promote healthy pregnancies. Black Maternal Health Week, observed annually as part of National Minority Health Month, serves as a platform for raising awareness and fostering community engagement around these critical issues. The House of Representatives encourages all Louisianians to participate in efforts to improve maternal health outcomes in the state.