Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Statement on Black Maternal Health Week 2022

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick released the following statement in honor Black Maternal Health Week 2022:

“Pregnancy and childbirth should be a dignified, safe, and joyful experience for all. For far too many mothers, however, complications related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum can lead to devastating health outcomes — including hundreds of deaths each year.  This maternal health crisis is particularly devastating for Black women, who are more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications as white women, regardless of their income or education.  During Black Maternal Health Week, we renew our commitment to addressing the crisis of Black maternal mortality and morbidity across the country. Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) takes place every year from April 11 –17, and was officially recognized by the White House on April 13th, 2021. 

“The month of April is also recognized in the United States as National Minority Health Month – a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities. Additionally, we are joining dozens of global organizations who are fighting to end maternal mortality globally in advocating that the United Nations recognize April 11th as the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights. The campaign and activities planned throughout Black Maternal Health Week each year serve to amplify the voices of Black Mamas, and center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. Activities held during BMHW are always rooted in and anchored by human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks. 

“Now, more people than ever before recognize the growing problem of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and how Black mamas are disproportionately negatively affected. There is more pending legislation at both the national and state levels seeking to improve maternal health and address racial disparities in maternal health. Grassroots organizations are increasingly recognized for their efforts to provide holistic and comprehensive care to Black mamas, bring attention to the issues affecting Black mamas in their communities, and spur policy and programmatic action that will have a positive impact.”