Booker and Menendez reintroduce resolution recognizing Maternal Health Awareness Day

WASHINGTON DC – This week, US Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) reintroduced a resolution recognizing January 23 as Maternal Health Awareness Day. As the resolution notes, more than 60 percent of maternal deaths in the United States are preventable, with disproportionate negative outcomes seen among black, brown, and Native Americans who give birth. The resolution also points out that pregnant people with symptomatic COVID-19 are at an increased risk of suffering serious consequences compared to non-pregnant people with symptomatic COVID-19.

“As data and numerous studies have shown, the United States is experiencing a maternal mortality crisis that disproportionately affects people living in rural communities and black, brown, and Indigenous people giving birth,” said Senator Booker. “These stark disparities and growing public health crisis demand our urgent attention. We have a responsibility to take action and ensure that everyone who gives birth receives the quality care they need throughout pregnancy.

“I am proud to continue my work with Senator Booker to ensure that our country prioritizes maternal health and strives to reduce maternal mortality,” said Senator Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy. “I will continue to advocate for increased funding to ensure people of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds have access to the affordable, quality health care they need during and after pregnancy.”

New Jersey was the first state to recognize Maternal Health Awareness Day in 2018. Since then, state, advocacy and community organizations across the country have used the date to raise awareness about maternal health, educate providers maternal deaths, and encourage women, families, and providers to recognize and discuss potential signs of an emergency.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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