HR1595: HR1595 Black Midwives Day in Georgia; March 14, 2026; recognize

26 LC 62 0451 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.1 WHEREAS, Black midwives fulfill an essential role and contribute to improving maternal2 health outcomes by addressing disparities and providing congrue nt care to Black birthing3 people; and4 WHEREAS, Black midwives fulfill an essential role and contribute to improving maternal5 health outcomes by addressing disparities and providing congrue nt care to Black birthing6 people; and7 WHEREAS, Black maternal health in the United States remains in crisis, with Black birthing8 people experiencing significantly higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality regardless9 of income, education, or socioeconomic status; and10 WHEREAS, many cities and counties in the United States face a high number of maternity11 care deserts, where women of childbearing age do not have acces s to hospitals or birth12 centers offering maternity care or obstetric providers, which leads to higher rates of maternal13 morbidity and mortality, as most complications occur in the postpartum period when birthing14 people are far away from their providers; and15 H. R. 1595 - 1 - 26 LC 62 0451 WHEREAS, integrating midwives into the maternity care system has been shown to improve16 birth outcomes, reduce medical interventions, and decrease the racial disparities in maternal17 and infant health; and18 WHEREAS, midwives can assist birthing people and their families with safe and effective19 childbirth options, and promulgating midwifery promotes access to safe and effective20 antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care; and21 WHEREAS, Black midwives have historically provided holistic community centered care22 yet have been systematically excluded from healthcare systems through restrictive policies23 and regulations; and24 WHEREAS, the resurgence of Black midwifery is a testament to midwives' resilience and25 their commitment to reclaiming traditional birthing practices t hat prioritize respect,26 autonomy, and positive health outcomes; and27 WHEREAS, it is important to invest in midwifery to expand access to midwifery education28 and training and to ensure fair compensation and support for midwives; and29 WHEREAS, in order to facilitate optimal healthcare access, midw ives should have no30 restrictions to practicing midwifery to the full extent and scope of their training; and31 WHEREAS, in order to promote the restoration of Black midwives to their communities, all32 educational and certification pathways should be open, availabl e, and funded to build the33 workforce of midwives; and34 H. R. 1595 - 2 - 26 LC 62 0451 WHEREAS, observing Black Midwives Day creates an opportunity to support and recognize35 the long-standing and invaluab le contributions of Black midwive s to maternal and infant36 health in the United States.37 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that38 the members of this body recognize March 14, 2026, as Black Midwives Day in Georgia.39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized40 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the41 National Black Midwives Alliance.42 H. R. 1595 - 3 -