HR 1737: Perinatal responders; State of Georgia expands the workforce for birth responders who are committed to increasing the safety of families in the childbirth period; honor

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a ceremonial statement from the House of Representatives recognizing perinatal responders, also called doulas, who assist families during labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. The resolution notes that these workers are certified by organizations such as CAPPA, DONA, and BADT, often serve rural and underserved areas of Georgia, and work independently, in cooperatives, or through community programs like Morehouse School of Medicine's center for maternal health equity. The resolution names dozens of individual perinatal responders and organizations across Georgia that provide doula and birth support services. It formally resolves that the House honors their dedication and care, and directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

• Formally honors perinatal responders and doulas in Georgia for their work supporting families during childbirth and the postpartum period.
• Lists specific individuals and organizations across the state that provide doula and perinatal support services.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute or establish any new program, funding, or requirement.

The resolution directly names and honors individual perinatal responders, doulas, and birth support organizations operating in Georgia, including groups serving rural and underserved communities. It also references institutions like Wellstar Hospital, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine as places where this work occurs.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it does not change anyone's rights, duties, or funding. Its practical effect is symbolic: it publicly recognizes the role doulas and perinatal responders play in Georgia's maternal and infant health landscape.

• The whereas clauses describe perinatal responders' certifications (CAPPA, DONA, BADT) and their work during labor, birth, and postpartum recovery.
• The whereas clauses list numerous named individuals and organizations across Georgia involved in doula and birth support work.
• The resolving clause states that the House of Representatives honors the dedication, hard work, and care provided by perinatal responders.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies of the resolution available for public and press distribution.

1. 2026-03-16House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-16House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-16House Hopper (House)

• Park Cannon (D, HD-058)Primary sponsor
• Tanya Miller (D, HD-062)
• Segun Adeyina (D, HD-110)
• Billy Mitchell (D, HD-088)
• Akbar Ali (D, HD-106)
• Debra Bazemore (D, HD-069)

• maternal health
• doulas
• childbirth support
• perinatal care
• legislative honors