Improving Equitable Birth and Maternal Health Outcomes for Black Families

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to non-Hispanic white women, yet most racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant mortality are preventable; and

WHEREAS, The risk for negative maternal and child health disparities is increased by preventable chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, lung disease, diabetes, obesity, and more; and  

WHEREAS, Barriers to health care, including lack of health insurance, limited access to providers, and culturally inappropriate care, especially in rural areas, are major contributors to disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, The racial discrepancies in maternal death rates persist even when controlling for socioeconomic status and education; and

WHEREAS, The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 is seeking congressional support to build on existing legislation to address all aspects of the maternal health crisis in America comprehensively, including but not limited to the social and environmental drivers of poor maternal health outcomes; culturally sensitive care for all mothers; maternal mental health care and substance abuse treatment; and more robust data analysis and quality improvement measures; and

WHEREAS, The use of culturally aware pregnancy companions, who may not be healthcare professionals but support individuals through childbirth or other significant health-related experiences, is associated with decreased birth complications for both mother and child.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP advocates for the adoption of the Momnibus Act of 2021 and full funding to improve equitable birth and maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and families.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP will monitor and support federal and state efforts to adopt legislation that provides Medicaid and ACA coverage for care provided by trained pregnancy companions and Doulas.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the NAACP reaffirms our resolutions demanding affordable and equitable health care for all Americans, including the "Regarding Health Care for All (Universal Health Care)" resolution of 2006, the "NAACP Calls for Full Implementation of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act" resolution of 2013, the "Prescription Drugs – Eliminating Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PMB) Gag Clauses" resolution of 2018, and the "NAACP Supports Affordable, Quality Health Care Now" resolution of 2020 and (2021 Resolutions).