House Resolution 1595
By: Representatives Cannon of the 58th, Taylor of the 92nd, Scott of the 76th, Schofield of the
63rd, Baker of the 64th, and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing March 14, 2026, as Black Midwives Day in Georgia; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Black midwives fulfill an essential role and contribute to improving maternal
health outcomes by addressing disparities and providing congruent care to Black birthing
people; and
WHEREAS, Black midwives fulfill an essential role and contribute to improving maternal
health outcomes by addressing disparities and providing congruent care to Black birthing
people; and
WHEREAS, Black maternal health in the United States remains in crisis, with Black birthing
people experiencing significantly higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality regardless
of income, education, or socioeconomic status; and
WHEREAS, many cities and counties in the United States face a high number of maternity
care deserts, where women of childbearing age do not have access to hospitals or birth
centers offering maternity care or obstetric providers, which leads to higher rates of maternal
morbidity and mortality, as most complications occur in the postpartum period when birthing
people are far away from their providers; and
WHEREAS, integrating midwives into the maternity care system has been shown to improve
birth outcomes, reduce medical interventions, and decrease the racial disparities in maternal
and infant health; and
WHEREAS, midwives can assist birthing people and their families with safe and effective
childbirth options, and promulgating midwifery promotes access to safe and effective
antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care; and
WHEREAS, Black midwives have historically provided holistic community centered care
yet have been systematically excluded from healthcare systems through restrictive policies
and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the resurgence of Black midwifery is a testament to midwives' resilience and
their commitment to reclaiming traditional birthing practices that prioritize respect,
autonomy, and positive health outcomes; and
WHEREAS, it is important to invest in midwifery to expand access to midwifery education
and training and to ensure fair compensation and support for midwives; and
WHEREAS, in order to facilitate optimal healthcare access, midwives should have no
restrictions to practicing midwifery to the full extent and scope of their training; and
WHEREAS, in order to promote the restoration of Black midwives to their communities, all
educational and certification pathways should be open, available, and funded to build the
workforce of midwives; and
WHEREAS, observing Black Midwives Day creates an opportunity to support and recognize
the long-standing and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant
health in the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize March 14, 2026, as Black Midwives Day in Georgia.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
National Black Midwives Alliance.