AL HJR57

Commends the Alabama Birth Equity Initiative, a Black women-led coalition of reproductive health and mutual aid organizations working to address the state's maternal mortality crisis

Alabama has one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the U.S., with 34 percent of counties classified as maternity health care deserts lacking birthing facilities and prenatal providers

The initiative is launching a midwifery training pilot program to fund preceptor training for eight Certified Practicing Midwives and two Certified Nurse Midwives at facilities in Huntsville and Birmingham

Plans include mobile health units for rural reproductive care, advocacy for funding rural birth centers, and addressing wraparound issues such as housing, transportation, food pantries, and child care

Passed the House on February 3, 2026 and adopted by the Senate on February 10, 2026