HB 1481: National Black Midwives Day in Georgia; March 14 of each year; designate

This bill adds a new section to Georgia's law on state holidays and observances (O.C.G.A. Chapter 4 of Title 1) to designate March 14 as National Black Midwives Day. The bill includes a lengthy set of legislative findings describing the history and contributions of Black midwives, disparities in Black maternal health outcomes, and the role midwives play in improving birth outcomes and expanding access to care in areas without enough maternity providers. The operative change is short: it creates a new Code section, O.C.G.A. § 1-4-28, stating that March 14 of each year is designated as National Black Midwives Day in Georgia. The bill does not create new funding, licensing rules, or legal requirements; it is a symbolic observance day added to state law. It also repeals any conflicting laws.

• 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 on Black maternal health disparities, maternity care deserts, and the historical role of Black midwives.
• Repeals any existing state laws that conflict with the new designation.

The designation primarily affects public recognition and awareness rather than any regulated group directly. It touches Black midwives and midwifery advocates, maternal health organizations, and Georgians interested in maternal and infant health, since the bill highlights disparities in Black maternal health outcomes.

The bill would give Black midwives and their historical contributions to maternal health an official day of recognition in Georgia law. It does not change licensing, funding, or scope-of-practice rules for midwives, so its practical effect is limited to symbolic observance and public awareness.

• Section 1 lists legislative findings on Black maternal health disparities, maternity care deserts, and the history and role of Black midwives.
• Section 2 amends Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated by adding new Code section 1-4-28, designating March 14 as National Black Midwives Day.
• Section 3 repeals any conflicting laws.

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

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

• maternal health
• midwifery
• state observances
• Black maternal health
• public health