Bill · H.Res. 231· House(119-HRES-231)
Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.
- Introduced
- 3/18/2025
- Last activity
- 3/18/2025 — 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 recognizes the significant contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States. It highlights the urgent need to address maternal health disparities and the "maternity care desert" crisis. The resolution notes that Black birthing people face higher risks of maternal morbidity and mortality. To combat this, the House of Representatives encourages various levels of government to take proactive steps. These steps include diversifying the perinatal workforce and supporting the advancement of Black midwifery. Ultimately, the resolution seeks to improve health outcomes through increased access to culturally competent care.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+10
The resolution specifically highlights and advocates for the health and contributions of Black midwives and birthing people.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+9
The resolution specifically targets racial disparities in maternal health outcomes affecting Black birthing people.
Would women be better off under this?+8
The resolution aims to improve maternal health and address disparities facing birthing people.
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 resolution notes that midwife-led care can result in cost savings, reduced medical interventions, lower cesarean rates, decreased preterm births, and improved health outcomes for both mothers and infants (Whereas clause).
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Addressing Care Deserts: By encouraging the inclusion of midwives into the maternity care system, the resolution aims to help address the "maternity care desert crisis" where many women lack access to hospitals or birth centers (Whereas clause).
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Culturally Competent Care: Increasing the number of Black midwives is intended to provide culturally competent care that builds trust and enhances maternal satisfaction (Whereas clause).
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Workforce Development: The resolution calls for increased funding for education, training, and mentorship programs to promote and sustain Black midwifery (Resolved clause 3).
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Increased Financial Coverage: The resolution promotes the authorization or reauthorization of funding for TRICARE and Medicaid coverage for maternity care provided by midwives of all training pathways (Resolved clause 5).
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Expanded Practice Rights: It encourages governments to authorize the autonomous practice of midwives to the full extent of their training (Resolved clause 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Criminalization and Regulation Risks: The text mentions that some States have criminalized and suppressed direct-entry midwives, noting that the overregulation of midwifery disproportionately impacts Black midwives and birthing families (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+10Good For Women+8Good For Children+5Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Students+5Good For Veterans+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+8Improves Veterans Healthcare+5Increases Medicaid Funding+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+9
- 3/18/2025
- 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.
Alma AdamsDemocrat · North Carolina
Lauren UnderwoodDemocrat · Illinois