2023 House Resolution 76

Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black mothers in the United States die at two to three times the rate of white mothers; and

Whereas, The CDC data from 2021 shows there were 26.6 deaths per 100,000 live births for white women, 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births for Black women, and 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births for women of all races in the United States; and

Whereas, Black maternal death is one of the widest of all racial disparities in women’s health; and

Whereas, Black women are 22 percent more likely to die from heart disease than white women and 1.5 times more likely to die from cervical cancer, but three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related causes; and

Whereas, According to the National Institutes of Health, when compared with white women with the conditions for preeclampsia, eclampsia, abruptio placentae, placenta previa, and postpartum hemorrhage, which are common causes of maternal death and injury, Black women were two to three times more likely to die than white women who had the same condition; and

Whereas, Between 2014 to 2018, according to the Michigan Maternal Mortality Surveillance Project, Black women in Michigan die at a rate more than 4.5 times higher than white women or 39.6 deaths per 100,000 live births; and

Whereas, The United States, with a maternal mortality rate of 32.9 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies, ranks last among industrialized countries; and

Whereas, These alarming statistics for Black maternal health cut across socioeconomic status, maternal age, and education levels; and

Whereas, The Michigan Legislature recognizes the necessity for the increased attention to the state of Black maternal health, studying and understanding the root causes of poor maternal health outcomes and supporting community-driven programs, care solutions, improving prenatal care and overall maternal health care, improving breastfeeding rates and nutrition, and amplifying the voices of Black mothers, women, families, and stakeholders, including Black women from across the diaspora; and

Whereas, We also recognize the necessity to end maternal mortality globally in order to amplify the need for maternal health and rights; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 10-16, 2023, as Black Maternal Health Week in the state of Michigan.