MS HR120

Designates April 11-17, 2025 as "Black Maternal Health Week" in Mississippi to raise awareness about maternal and reproductive health crisis among Black women and birthing persons.

Cites CDC data showing Black women are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, with U.S. maternal mortality rate of 50.3 per 100,000 live births for Black women in 2023 (compared to 14.5 for White women).

Notes Mississippi's maternal mortality rate is 39 per 100,000 live births with 13.6% of birthing people receiving little to no prenatal care, with disparities affecting low-income and minority communities.

Identifies contributing factors including structural racism, maternity care deserts, barriers to mental health services, workplace discrimination, and criminal justice system surveillance of pregnant people.

Calls for Mississippi House to support policies addressing social determinants of health (housing, transportation, nutrition, clean water), expand insurance coverage for postpartum period, and pass Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act with community-led solutions.