House Resolution No. by Representative Walters designates April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week in Louisiana. This observance aims to raise awareness and promote community-driven solutions to improve maternal health outcomes for Black women, who face disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality due to systemic inequities and barriers to quality care. The resolution highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions in Louisiana, where Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to their white counterparts, and where maternal health outcomes are among the worst in the nation.

The resolution commends the efforts of community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and advocates working to advance equity and improve maternal health outcomes in Louisiana. It emphasizes the importance of culturally competent care models, such as the integration of doulas and midwives, in addressing the disparities faced by Black families. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms the commitment of the Louisiana House of Representatives to support policies and partnerships that eliminate maternal health disparities and ensure access to high-quality care for all mothers in the state.