119-SRES-646 Journalist Public Summary
A Senate resolution would recognize March 14, 2026, as Black Midwives Day and urge steps to expand and support midwifery—especially Black midwives—to help address racial gaps in maternal and infant health outcomes.
Headline Summary
The Senate resolution recognizes March 14, 2026, as Black Midwives Day and urges governments to support and expand midwifery—especially Black midwives—to improve maternal and infant health.
What It Does
This is a simple Senate resolution (not a law) that would symbolically name March 14, 2026, “Black Midwives Day.” It highlights high maternal and infant health risks facing Black families and calls on federal, state, and local governments to take steps such as diversifying the perinatal workforce; expanding education, training, mentorship, and preceptor access for Black midwives; authorizing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training; extending Medicaid and TRICARE coverage for midwifery care; and reducing legal and administrative barriers to midwifery, including for births outside hospitals. It also affirms the historical and ongoing contributions of Black midwives.
Who’s For It
- Sponsor: Sen. Cory Booker (D–NJ), who submitted the resolution.
- Supporters likely include midwifery and maternal health equity advocates who back recognition of Black midwives and workforce expansion to improve access to culturally congruent care.
- Communities in “maternity care deserts” that have limited access to obstetric services may see benefits in more midwife-led options and coverage.
Who’s Against It
- No formal opposition is noted at introduction.
- Potential concerns some lawmakers or medical groups might raise: keeping scope‑of‑practice rules under state control; safety and oversight of out‑of‑hospital birth settings; cost or implementation details for expanded training and coverage; and disagreement with framing maternal health disparities primarily in terms of systemic racism.
What’s Next
As of March 17, 2026, the resolution was read twice and referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. If the committee takes it up and it is reported favorably, the full Senate could adopt it—often by voice vote or unanimous consent for commemorative measures.
Discussion