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WHEREAS, the health of pregnant and postpartum individuals is integral to maintain the overall health and well-being of all members of a community; and,
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WHEREAS, according to the CDC, the United States leads in having the highest maternal mortality rate among similar countries and has seen an increase in maternal mortality over the last few decades; and,
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania ranks 26th in the United States for maternal mortality, according to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee; and,
WHEREAS, in December 2016, the City of Pittsburgh created the Gender Equity Commission, responsible for identifying discrimination against all women and girls; and,
WHEREAS, according to Pittsburgh's Gender Equity Commission, Black, Asian, Multiracial, and Latinx women in Pittsburgh experience higher rates of maternal mortality, maternal mental health issues, and maternal morbidities; and,
WHEREAS, according to the Gender Equity Commission, maternal mortality among Black women in Pittsburgh is higher than 97% of similar cities in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, these disparities are recognized to be a result of institutional racism that impacts the care that mothers in Black, Asian, Multiracial, and Latinx communities experience; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh organizations such as Healthy Start, Inc., Jeremiah's Place, the Midwife Center for Birth and Women's Health, The Birthing Hut, Jewish Healthcare Foundation, and many more are working locally to promote maternal wellness in a variety of ways; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh is dedicated to being a livable city for all, which includes creating a prosperous environment for mothers, both during pregnancy and in the postpartum phase; and,
WHEREAS, Maternal Health Awareness Day has been recognized by state, advocacy, and community-based organizations every year on January 23 to raise awareness about maternal health in the United States;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the Ci...
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