IL HR0237

Declares April 11-17, 2025 as Black Maternal Health Week in Illinois

Recognizes that Black women in the U.S. are 2-3 times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes, with the 2023 maternal mortality rate for Black women at 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 14.5 for White women

Illinois has 34.3% of counties classified as maternity care deserts (above the 32.6% national average), lacking hospitals, birth centers, or obstetric providers

Calls for investment in maternity care including community-led initiatives, continuous health insurance coverage for at least one year postpartum, and policies supporting affordable, comprehensive maternal health care free from discrimination

Identifies 11 priorities to address systemic racism affecting maternal health: safe housing, transportation equity, nutritious food, clean air/water, toxin-free environments, decriminalization, freedom from violence, living wage, economic opportunity, diverse perinatal workforce pipeline, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare access