Moore, Booker, Adams, and Underwood Introduce Resolution Commemorating National Black Midwives Day

Today, Representative Gwen Moore (WI-04), along with Representatives Alma Adams, PhD (NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14), both co-chairs of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, introduced a resolution designating March 14, 2025, as “Black Midwives Day.” This House resolution, and its Senate companion led by Senator Cory Booker (NJ), celebrates Black midwives’ legacy of culturally congruent care and strives to rectify racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.

“Black midwives practice time-honored techniques that have flourished for years,” said Representative Gwen Moore. “This resolution not only honors and uplifts Black midwives’ work toward reproductive justice, but it also invites federal, state, and local governments to embrace Black midwifery as a model of patient-centered, culturally sensitive care that beats systemic barriers and improves health outcomes for mothers and their babies,” Moore added.

“There is a growing maternal health crisis that affects all moms in our country. On top of that, the harsh reality is that Black people in the United States suffer from life threatening pregnancy complications twice as often as White people,” said Senator Cory Booker. “The Midwifery Model of Care is a proven method that improves pregnancy outcomes across the board.  Recognizing Black Midwives Day and all of the work midwives do to provide comprehensive and affordable health care reaffirms our commitment in Congress to ensuring equitable pregnancy outcomes for all.”

“Black midwifery is a deep-rooted practice that speaks to Black history, tradition, culture, and maternal health,” said Representative Alma Adams. “For centuries, Black midwives were the main source of perinatal care for Black communities, safeguarding our health in the face of medical discrimination and barriers to care. As we look to address the Black maternal health crisis in our country today, let’s celebrate the legacy of Black midwives by committing to overcome racial discrimination in healthcare and keeping our mothers safe.”

“For centuries, Black midwives have played an invaluable role in making sure moms and babies receive culturally competent care and lifesaving support,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I’m so proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to uplift the contributions of Black midwives, both past and present, and the critical work that they do to end disparities. Their commitment to making sure that childbirth is a time filled with joy for every family should be celebrated and remembered.”

“The National Black Midwives Alliance strongly supports and endorses the resolution for Black Midwives Day. Black midwives have long been at the forefront of maternal and infant care, addressing disparities and ensuring culturally centered, holistic birth experiences for Black families. Recognizing Black Midwives Day affirms the invaluable contributions of Black midwives, past and present, and promotes continued investment in their work to improve maternal health outcomes nationwide,” said Jamarah Amani of the National Black Midwives Alliance.

“BMMA (Black Mamas Matter Alliance) proudly endorses the resolution recognizing March 14 as Black Midwives Day, a critical step in honoring the invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States. For centuries, Black midwives have been the cornerstone of their communities, providing culturally centered, life-affirming care that improves birth outcomes and saves lives.

Amidst the ongoing maternal health care crisis and deepening maternity care deserts, the expansion and full integration of Black midwifery into the U.S. healthcare system is not just necessary—it is urgent. BMMA calls on policymakers, healthcare institutions, and communities to invest in Black midwives by expanding training pathways, eliminating structural barriers, and ensuring equitable reimbursement for midwifery-led care. This resolution affirms the power of Black midwifery as a key strategy for advancing maternal health equity, reducing racial disparities, and supporting the reproductive autonomy of Black birthing people. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Black midwives and the National Black Midwives Alliance in the fight to protect, uplift, and expand Black midwifery for generations to come,” said Angela D. Aina, Executive Director, BMMA.

“Black midwives are the backbone of maternal health,” said Haven Midwifery Collective.

“We commend Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Cory Booker for introducing the National Black Midwives Day Resolution in recognition of the essential contributions of Black midwives to reproductive health. Their leadership underscores the importance of acknowledging and elevating the vital role Black midwives play in providing compassionate, culturally centered care, advancing health equity, and challenging systemic disparities. To truly honor this work, U.S. Government must continue to support and invest in pathways to midwifery and strive toward a health care system that provides the highest quality care and ensures that all birthing experiences are met with dignity, respect, and compassion,” said Breana N. Lipscomb, MPH, Senior Advisor, Maternal Health & Rights at Center for Reproductive Rights.

“Birth centers are a public health solution,” said Trinisha Williams, LM, CM, MPH, President, American Association of Birth Centers (AABC).

Access to Black Midwives is a critical solution to address the maternal mortality crisis in the US. Black Midwives Day is an opportunity to highlight the need for and uplift the work of Black Midwives,” said Jessica Brumley CNM, PhD, FACNM, President of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

2.2 million women of childbearing age live in maternity care deserts lacking access to hospitals and birth centers.^[1] This maternal health gap is especially acute for Black birthing people, who suffer maternal morbidity two times as often as white child bearers.^[2] Responding to this crisis and recognizing the need for community-driven interventions, the resolution directs stakeholders to develop and enact policy solutions that promote a diverse perinatal workforce, strengthen training pathways for Black midwives, and fully incorporate midwifery into the maternity care system.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.