The Michigan House of Representatives has introduced a resolution to declare April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in the state. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical state of Black maternal health, highlighting that Black women in the U.S. face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related deaths compared to their white counterparts, regardless of socioeconomic status. The resolution acknowledges the alarming maternal mortality rates in the U.S., which are the highest among developed nations, and emphasizes the need for focused efforts to address these disparities.
Black Maternal Health Week, established by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, serves as a national campaign to amplify the voices of Black mothers and promote solutions to improve maternal health outcomes. The Michigan House expresses solidarity with Black mothers, families, and advocates working to eliminate maternal health disparities and ensure equitable access to safe maternity care. The resolution encourages all Michigan residents to engage in activities and discussions during this week to foster awareness, education, and action in support of Black maternal health.