119-HRES-1120 Journalist Public Summary
House Resolution 1120 would recognize March 14, 2026 as “Black Midwives Day,” highlight the role of Black midwives in improving maternal and infant health, and urge governments and insurers to expand access, training, and coverage for midwifery; it is a nonbinding House statement now in committee as of March 17, 2026.
Public Summary: H. Res. 1120 (119th Congress)
Headline Summary: A House resolution to honor Black Midwives Day (March 14, 2026) and press for policies that expand, support, and destigmatize Black midwifery as part of improving maternal and infant health.
What It Does: This is a nonbinding statement of the House. It recognizes “Black Midwives Day,” praises the contributions of Black midwives, and urges federal, state, and local actions: more funding for education and mentorship; recognition of midwives across all training routes; allowing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training; expanding TRICARE and Medicaid coverage of midwifery care; and reducing criminalization or stigma around midwifery in settings chosen by pregnant people (home, birth center, clinic, or hospital). It frames these steps as ways to reduce maternal health disparities and strengthen care in areas with few maternity services.
- Sponsors: Rep. Gwen Moore (D‑WI) with Reps. Alma Adams (D‑NC) and Lauren Underwood (D‑IL).
- Advocacy alignment: The text references the Black Midwives Day campaign led by the National Black Midwives Alliance, emphasizing culturally responsive care and workforce diversity.
- Stated reasons: Midwife‑led care can reduce interventions and improve outcomes; expanding Black midwifery is presented as a way to address racial gaps in maternal and infant health.
Who’s For It: Supporters and their reasons (from the resolution text).
- No formal opposition is listed at introduction.
- Common concerns in similar debates (not specific to this measure) include: whether authorizing broader independent practice could outpace oversight; questions from some physicians and state regulators about safety standards for home births; how recognition of multiple training pathways should interact with accreditation; and potential costs or implementation details for Medicaid and TRICARE.
Who’s Against It: Not specified; typical points of skepticism noted for context.
What’s Next: On March 17, 2026, the resolution was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and, additionally, to the Committee on Armed Services. Committee consideration would come before any House floor vote. As a simple House resolution, it would express the House’s position and would not, by itself, change law or appropriate funds.
Discussion