House Concurrent 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 raising awareness and supporting initiatives aimed at improving maternal healthcare for black mothers. It aligns with the national observance of Black Maternal Health Week, which seeks to promote activism and community engagement in addressing these critical health disparities. The resolution encourages all Louisianians to participate in efforts to enhance maternal health outcomes, thereby fostering a healthier environment for mothers and their children throughout the state.