A Resolution designating January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to recognize all the women who die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth.
Summary
House Resolution 26 designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution is primarily commemorative and educational: it recognizes women who die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth, cites rising maternal mortality in the United States and Pennsylvania, and highlights racial disparities, especially the disproportionately high mortality rate among Black women. It also references the state’s Maternal Mortality Review Act and the work of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee as part of broader efforts to reduce maternal deaths.
The resolution encourages public and professional awareness of maternal health, safety, and mortality, and invites community members and health care professionals to participate in related activities. It does not create new regulatory requirements or funding programs, but it reinforces existing state policy attention to maternal mortality and the review committee established under Act 24 of 2018. Its practical effect is to elevate awareness and support ongoing prevention efforts rather than amend substantive health law.
Impact
HR 26 does not amend the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes or impose new duties on agencies, providers, or individuals. Its legal effect is limited to a House resolution designating a commemorative day, but it may indirectly support implementation of existing maternal health policy by drawing attention to the Maternal Mortality Review Act, the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, and disparities in pregnancy-related outcomes. The resolution primarily affects public health advocacy, maternal care stakeholders, and awareness campaigns.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little opposition. It was reported from the House Children and Youth Committee on a 26-0 vote and then passed the House floor by a wide margin, 197-5. The tone of the resolution is strongly supportive of maternal health awareness, with emphasis on preventing maternal deaths and addressing racial disparities, suggesting a generally favorable sentiment across the chamber.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record, and no committee transcript is provided. The only notable area of policy emphasis is the resolution’s focus on Black maternal mortality and the broader maternal mortality crisis, which may reflect ongoing concern about racial health disparities and the effectiveness of existing prevention efforts. The few negative votes on final passage indicate some limited disagreement, but the record does not show the reasons for opposition.
Designating January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to recognize all the women who die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth.
Designating January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to recognize all the women who die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth.
Designating January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to recognize all the women and birthing people who die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth.
Designating January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to recognize all the women and birthing people who die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth.
Recognizing the week of April 11 through 17, 2025, as "Black Maternal Health Week" in Pennsylvania to bring attention to the maternal health crisis and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women.
Recognizing the week of April 11 through 17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week" in Pennsylvania to bring attention to the maternal health crisis and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women.
Enacting the pregnancy center autonomy and rights of expression act to protect the ability of private pregnancy centers to provide life-affirming care.