Press Release: State lawmakers take multi-state collective action on Black maternal health  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Alice Carter, mary.alice@conwaystrategic.com

State lawmakers take multi-state collective action on Black maternal health  

Resolutions and proclamations recognize Black Maternal Health Week and highlight the urgent need for state-based policy solutions to address the crisis

WASHINGTON D.C.—State legislators from the State Innovation Exchange’s Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (SiX RFLC) will introduce proclamations and resolutions in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) and call attention to the Black maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States.

The resolutions and proclamations, in partnership with Black Mamas Matter Alliance, call for action to protect the health and well-being of Black women. The introductions come as civil rights, Medicaid, abortion care, and medical research on Black maternal mortality outcomes are increasingly under attack by the Trump administration and state lawmakers aligned with Project 2025.

“In stark contrast to the attacks on vital programs and cuts to essential services coming from Washington D.C., state legislators are fighting for a future where Black women are treated with dignity, care, and respect,” said Jennifer Driver, Senior Director of Reproductive Rights, State Innovation Exchange. “In order to improve maternal health outcomes, we must address the systemic racism that impacts the lives of Black women before, during, and after pregnancy. From Michigan to Mississippi, our champion lawmakers are putting forward solutions that improve the health and well-being of Black communities overall.”

SiX RFLC lawmakers are championing policies, including protecting and expanding Medicaid, strengthening maternal mortality review boards, stopping anti-abortion lawmakers, and calling for sustained investment in Black communities.

“Empowering Black mothers is not just about improving health care. It’s about affirming their right to thrive and ensuring equity in maternal care. I will continue to advocate for change and stand in solidarity this week and beyond,” said Rep. Zakiya Summers (MS-68).  

“Black women deserve to give birth without fear, to receive care without bias, and to live without the burden of systemic neglect,” said Rep. Felicia Robinson (FL-104). “Prioritizing Black maternal health isn’t just necessary—it’s right. Policies should protect, uplift, and ensure that our voices and lives are valued in every health care space.”

The stakes have increased under the Trump administration. Federal research programs focused on decreasing Black maternal mortality rates have faced cuts and elimination. Meanwhile, the GOP-controlled Congress has threatened massive cuts to Medicaid and other services that will hit Black mothers and pregnant people especially hard.

“It is crucial to prioritize Black maternal health, especially given the recent drastic efforts to eliminate essential federal programs that support the health, nutrition, and financial stability of American citizens,” said Sen. London Lamar (TN-33). “We must intensify our efforts to ensure that maternal health, particularly for Black mothers, is given the attention and support it urgently needs.”

While maternal mortality overall has been declining, the rate for Black women has not improved. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. 29% of Black women report mistreatment during maternity care, and medical care overall for Black women is rife with racist assumptions and practices.

“As a state legislator and as a mother, I am deeply committed to reversing the disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in our Commonwealth. Our vision must include bold legislative action like our Pennsylvania MOMNIBUS to make the lives of Black moms and birthing people matter,” said Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes (PA-24).   

“In 2025, we are working to eliminate the Black maternal mortality crisis through initiatives that will expand doula services, target health deserts, and improve mental health access for all,” said Rep. Gina Curry (PA-164). Curry and Mayes are the co-founders and co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus.

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The State Innovation Exchange’s Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (SiX RFLC) is a network of 600+ state legislators committed to advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice policy.