Bill > HR0237

This resolution declares April 11-17, 2025 as Black Maternal Health Week in Illinois, addressing the critical and disproportionate maternal health challenges faced by Black women. The resolution highlights alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noting that Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes and experienced a maternal mortality rate of 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, compared to lower rates for other racial groups. The resolution acknowledges the systemic and structural racism contributing to these disparities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions that include safe housing, transportation equity, nutritious food, economic opportunities, and access to high-quality healthcare. It calls for supporting policies rooted in human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks, and demands that Black women and birthing people be active participants in policy decisions affecting their lives. The resolution aims to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health, amplify community-driven solutions, center Black women's voices, and support efforts to increase funding for Black-led organizations and perinatal health workers, ultimately seeking to address the unacceptable and unjust maternal health inequities experienced by Black women.

Health and Social Services

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=237&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HR&SessionID=114&GA=104