The resolution urges Congress to pass the federal Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, highlighting the alarming maternal mortality rates in the United States, particularly among Black women who face significantly higher risks compared to their white counterparts. With New Jersey ranking fourth in maternal mortality rates, the resolution emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to address the systemic issues contributing to these disparities, including inequitable access to quality healthcare, underlying health conditions, and structural racism. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, leading to an increase in maternal mortality, underscoring the necessity for immediate action.

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, reintroduced on May 15, 2023, consists of 13 bills that aim to tackle the multifaceted causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. It proposes over $1 billion in funding to improve maternal health care by addressing social determinants of health, diversifying the perinatal workforce, and enhancing access to care for underserved populations. The resolution calls for Congress to recognize the critical need for this legislation as a vital step toward promoting health equity and saving the lives of mothers in New Jersey and across the nation.