Supporting the recognition of March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" and the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

This resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 17, 2026, and referred to two committees: Energy and Commerce, and Armed Services. For a House Resolution to move forward, it would typically need to be considered and voted on by these committees before potentially being brought to a vote on the House floor. House Resolutions express the official opinion or sentiment of the House but do not go to the Senate or become law in the same way as bills.

If this resolution passes, the House of Representatives would formally declare its support for recognizing March 14, 2026, as 'Black Midwives Day,' raising public awareness. It also encourages federal, state, and local governments to take steps like diversifying the perinatal workforce, increasing access to culturally competent maternal care, and potentially authorizing midwives to practice autonomously. Additionally, it promotes the authorization of TRICARE and Medicaid coverage for midwife-provided care, which could make these services more accessible and affordable for families.

The resolution's supporters emphasize that Black midwives provide culturally competent care that builds trust and improves health outcomes, particularly given the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women in the U.S. They point to "maternity care deserts" and structural racism as contributing factors to poor maternal health outcomes, advocating for policies that support and promote affordable, holistic maternal health care. The bill text itself focuses solely on the positive impacts and reasons for supporting Black midwives, without presenting any counterarguments or criticisms.