AL SJR20

Alabama Legislature 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% 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 training for eight Certified Practicing Midwives and two Certified Nurse Midwives at facilities in Huntsville and Birmingham

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

The resolution passed the Senate on January 21, 2026 and the House on January 29, 2026