DE HCR5

Designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Delaware to raise public and professional awareness about maternal health, safety, and mortality issues

U.S. pregnancy-related deaths rose from 7.2 per 100,000 live births in 1987 to 33.2 per 100,000 in 2021, one of the highest maternal mortality rates among industrialized countries

Delaware's Maternal Mortality Review Committee found that 90% of all pregnancy-related deaths in 2023 were preventable, with leading causes including hypertensive disorders, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal mental health issues including substance use disorder

Significant racial disparities persist in maternal outcomes, with Black and brown women disproportionately affected by higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths

Addresses projected shortage of 12,000-15,000 obstetricians/gynecologists by 2050 and encourages development of programs to support a sustainable workforce and improve access to quality maternal care