HB1481: HB1481 National Black Midwives Day in Georgia; March 14 of each year; designate

This bill amends Georgia's chapter of holidays and observances (O.C.G.A. Title 1, Chapter 4) to add a new day of recognition. It creates a new Code section, 1-4-28, that names March 14 of each year 'National Black Midwives Day' in Georgia. Before the operative change, the bill lists a series of legislative findings about Black maternal health, describing higher rates of maternal illness and death among Black birthing people, gaps in maternity care access, and the historical contributions and exclusion of Black midwives from healthcare systems. These findings explain the reasoning behind the designation but do not create any new requirements, funding, or programs. The bill repeals any conflicting laws, a standard closing provision.

• Adds a new Code section, O.C.G.A. § 1-4-28, designating March 14 of each year as 'National Black Midwives Day' in Georgia.
• States legislative findings about Black maternal health disparities and the historical role of Black midwives, without creating enforceable rules.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new designation, a standard closing clause.
• Does not create new funding, licensing changes, or scope-of-practice rules for midwives despite discussing those topics in its findings.

The designation primarily affects how the state formally recognizes Black midwives and Black maternal health advocacy groups. It does not impose new duties on hospitals, midwives, insurers, or state agencies, since the bill only creates a symbolic day of observance.

The bill would give Black Midwives Day official state recognition in Georgia, which can raise public awareness of Black maternal health disparities and the role of midwives. It does not change any laws governing midwifery practice, funding, or healthcare access.

• Section 1 lists twelve legislative findings on Black maternal health disparities, maternity care deserts, and the history and value of Black midwifery.
• Section 2 adds new Code section 1-4-28, stating 'March 14 of each year is designated as "National Black Midwives Day" in Georgia.'
• Section 3 repeals all laws and parts of laws in conflict with the Act, a standard clause with no substantive effect on its own.

1. 2026-03-04House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-03-03House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-26House Hopper (House)

• Park Cannon (D, HD-058)Primary sponsor
• Debra Bazemore (D, HD-069)
• Tanya Miller (D, HD-062)
• El-Mahdi Holly (D, HD-116)

• maternal health
• Black midwives
• state observances
• healthcare disparities