In Support of Black Maternal Health and Birth Equity

WHEREAS, The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, and Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, regardless of income or education level; and

WHEREAS, A recently released National Institutes of Health (NIH) study in April 2025 found that the US maternal mortality rate increased 27% over 5 years. Examining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data up to one year postpartum, the authors found that maternal mortality increased from 25.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 32.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022; and

WHEREAS, The new study reaffirmed racial disparities in maternal mortality, specifically finding that rates of maternal mortality were 3.8 times higher in American Indian and Alaska Native women when compared to White women, and rates in Black women were 2.8 times higher; and

WHEREAS, By expanding the research window studied to one year postpartum, the researchers revealed that cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental disorders were leading causes of late maternal deaths; and

WHEREAS, The study authors call maternal mortality in the US "an urgent public health priority," the federal government persisted with massive job and funding cuts at federal agencies charged with reducing these deaths, including slashing the department at CDC tasked with monitoring and improving maternal and child health, and rescinding the funding of some researchers who study this issue; and

WHEREAS, Structural racism, implicit bias in the health care system, chronic stress from racial discrimination, and unequal access to prenatal and reproductive care contribute significantly to poor maternal health outcomes among Black women and birthing people; and

WHEREAS, The maternal health crisis is compounded by the closure of labor and delivery units in Black communities, lack of Medicaid expansion in some states, and policies that restrict reproductive autonomy and access to comprehensive care; and

WHEREAS, Black maternal health is a racial justice issue and a public health crisis, and its solutions must center the experiences of Black mothers, midwives, doulas, and community-based providers; and

WHEREAS, Federal initiatives such as the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act offer a blueprint for comprehensive reform through expanded Medicaid coverage, investment in perinatal workforce diversity, improved data collection, and community-based care models.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP reaffirms the Calls for Urgent Efforts to Address Black Maternal and Infant Mortality Resolution of 2024 and declares Black maternal health to be a national emergency and calls for coordinated action by federal, state, and local governments to end the racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP demands the public health workforce and funding be restored for the Health and Human Services (HHS) staff charged with solving the maternal mortality crisis and inequities in the US.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and expand Medicaid coverage to include at least 12 months of postpartum care in all states.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports the expansion of funding for Black-led maternal health organizations, culturally proficient midwifery and doula programs, and community birth centers that serve historically under-resourced areas.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP encourages its units to engage in public education campaigns, policy advocacy, and local partnerships that uplift Black birthing people and ensure equitable, respectful, and life-affirming maternal care for all.