General Assembly, Statement of Intent or Position - Recognizes Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17, 2025. -

Senate Resolution 119 (SR 119) recognizes April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in Tennessee. It highlights the disproportionate maternal mortality and morbidity rates faced by Black women and birthing persons in the U.S., citing CDC data showing Black women are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of systemic health inequities, including racism in healthcare and maternity care deserts. It aims to raise awareness about preventable maternal health disparities without proposing concrete legislative action.