Title
Recognizing April 11 - 17, 2025, as “Black Maternal Health Week” in the City of Philadelphia
Body
WHEREAS, Recognizing and supporting the health and wellness of Black mamas and birthing people by acknowledging “Black Maternal Health Week” in the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The eighth annual national Black Maternal Health Week - themed “Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy!” - was held from April 11 - 17, 2025. The week fosters awareness, activism, and community building intended to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the United States; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women in the
United States are 3 to 4 times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related
causes and are twice as likely to suffer from life-threatening pregnancy complications, known as “maternal morbidities;” and
WHEREAS, The high rates of maternal mortality among Black women span across income
levels, education levels, and socioeconomic status; and
WHEREAS, From 2022 to 2023 Black Women were the only group to see an increase in pregnancy related fatalities. Black Women are also now 3.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes. This has increased from 2019 when the likelihood was 2.5 times that of white women; and
WHEREAS, Non-Hispanic Black women made up 43% of live births in Philadelphia and accounted for 73% of the pregnancy-related deaths from 2013 to 2018 as compared to non-Hispanic white women who made up 26% of Philadelphia births and accounted for 19% of pregnancy-related deaths; and
WHEREAS, Black women have historically had the highest maternal mortality rates due to a combination of effects from institutional racism that have resulted in susceptibility to certain health conditions and lack of access to quality prenatal care; and
WHEREAS, Events for Black Maternal Health week will be held locally by the Oshun Family Center. Oshun provides racially concordant care to members of the Black community that are impacted by postpartum mood changes, birth, and racial trauma. Oshun works with allies, legislators, lawmakers, hospitals, educators, and the community to shift from raising awareness to becoming action-oriented in regard to the Black Maternal Mortality rate; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia would also like to recognize Once Upon a Preemie. Once Upon a Preemie is a leader in health and racial equity, education, advocacy, and family empowerment solutions for perinatal and neonatal healthcare professionals. Centering around the lived experience of Black Preemie families, Once Upon a Preemie has advocated for equitable and family centered care for Black families everywhere; and
WHEREAS, The Maternity Care Coalition has helped countless families improve the health and well-being of pregnant women and parenting families. Through their recognition of historical and racial injustice the Maternity Care Coalition has made Black mothers and their families a priority in health care and patient advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Also to be recognized is A Home From Shana Foundation. A Home From Shana Foundation has done invaluable work to end the cycle of traumatic childbirth and its aftermath by giving mothers the opportunity to have healthy pregnancies, safe and respectful childbirth experiences, and to birth healthy and happy babies. Through their core values of collaboration, innovation, integrity, and compassion, A Home From Shana Foundation has been a leader in Black Maternal Health advocacy that cannot be overlooked; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia would also like to recognize the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus founded in October 2023 by State Representative and Philadelphia Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, State Representative Gina H. Curry, and State Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes for their tireless work supporting black maternal healthcare in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Representative Cephas and the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus has championed over $30 million in funding for maternal health initiatives in the state and passed legislation to address maternal health disparities in the commonwealth including requiring Medicaid coverage for doula services and establishing a Doula Advisory Board and enhancing perinatal and postpartum education for mental health; and
WHEREAS, A fair and wide distribution of resources and birth options, especially with regard to
reproductive health care services and maternal health programming, are critical to closing the
racial gap in maternal health outcomes. Philadelphia has dedicated and high-quality organizations providing such services such as A Home for Shana Foundation and Maternity Care Coalition and Oshun Family Center; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes April 11 - 17, 2025, as “Black Maternal Health Week” in the City of Philadelphia.
End