In the near future, we will be introducing a Resolution to designate January 23, 2026 as “Maternal Health Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania. This recognition remains an important step in raising awareness about the critical issues surrounding maternal health and in promoting the well-being of mothers and infants across our Commonwealth.

Maternal health continues to be a serious concern in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. Despite advancements in medical science and healthcare delivery, maternal mortality rates and complications during pregnancy and childbirth persist as significant challenges.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a pregnancy-related death is defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within one year of the end of a pregnancy regardless of the outcome, duration, or location of the pregnancy from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management.

National data in recent years have underscored the urgency of this issue. In 2021, the U.S. maternal mortality rate reached 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, rising from 23.8 in 2020 and 20.1 in 2019. In Pennsylvania, the overall pregnancy-associated mortality rate was reported as 82 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022.

Our 2026 Resolution will continue to elevate awareness of the challenges related to maternal health, mortality, and morbidity in Pennsylvania. It will further support statewide initiatives aimed at reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal health outcomes.

We invite you to join us in cosponsoring this important Resolution to highlight the urgency of addressing maternal health issues and to reinforce our commitment to the well-being of all mothers and families in the Commonwealth.