Bill · H.Res. 1120· House(119-HRES-1120)
Supporting the recognition of March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" and the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.
- Introduced
- 3/17/2026
- Last activity
- 3/17/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Gwen Moore
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution supports the recognition of March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" to honor the contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health. It aims to bring attention to the crisis of maternal mortality and the existence of maternity care deserts in the United States. The resolution highlights the need to address racial disparities in health outcomes through community-driven solutions. It encourages various levels of government to take proactive steps to diversify the perinatal workforce. Furthermore, it calls for the removal of barriers to midwifery training and practice. Finally, it advocates for increased coverage for midwifery services through programs like TRICARE and Medicaid.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+9
The resolution specifically addresses the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women through support for Black midwives.
Would women be better off under this?+8
The resolution advocates for improved maternal health outcomes, bodily autonomy, and access to midwifery services for pregnant people.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+8
The resolution aims to reduce racial disparities in maternal mortality through the diversification of the perinatal workforce.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Health Outcomes: The text notes that midwife-led care can result in lower cesarean rates, decreased preterm births, and improved health outcomes for mothers and infants (Whereas clause).
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Addressing Care Deserts: By incorporating midwives into the maternity care system, the resolution aims to address the "maternity care desert crisis" where women currently lack access to obstetric care (Whereas clause).
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Diversifying the Workforce: The resolution encourages the Federal Government and local governments to support initiatives that diversify the perinatal workforce to address health disparities (Clause 2).
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Financial Support for Students: The resolution calls for providing financial pathways to support students and preceptors in the field of midwifery (Clause 4C).
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Increased Healthcare Coverage: The resolution promotes the authorization or reauthorization of funding for TRICARE and Medicaid to cover maternity care provided by midwives of all training pathways (Clause 6).
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Enhanced Access to Care: It encourages governments to destigmatize and decriminalize midwifery pathways in various settings, such as homes or birth centers, to increase accessibility (Clause 7).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Impact of Overregulation: The text mentions that the criminalization and overregulation of midwifery can disproportionately impact Black midwives and birthing families, which may reduce access to culturally competent care (Whereas clause).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+9Good For Women+8Good For Children+5Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Rural Residents+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7Increases Medicaid Funding+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+8
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+3
- 3/17/2026
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
- 119-SRES-128: A resolution recognizing March 14, 2025, as "Black Midwives Day" and the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.
- 119-SRES-646: A resolution recognizing March 14, 2026, as "Black Midwives Day" and the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.
Alma AdamsDemocrat · North Carolina
Lauren UnderwoodDemocrat · Illinois