Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women in the United States are 2.6 times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes; Whereas Black women in the United States suffer from life-threatening pregnancy complications, known as maternal morbidities , twice as often as White women; Whereas maternal mortality rates in the United States are— (1) among the highest of any member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; and (2) increasing rapidly, from 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018, to 32.1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021; Whereas the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among affluent countries, in part because of the disproportionate mortality rate of Black women; Whereas the rate of preterm birth among Black women is nearly 50 percent higher than the preterm birth rate among White or Hispanic women; Whereas the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women span across— (1) income levels; (2) education levels; and (3) socioeconomic status; Whereas structural racism, gender oppression, and the social determinants of health inequities experienced by Black women and birthing persons in the United States significantly contribute to the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons; Whereas racism and discrimination play a consequential role in maternal health care experiences and outcomes of Black birthing persons; Whereas a fair and wide distribution of resources and birth options, especially with regard to reproductive health care services and maternal health programming, is critical to closing the racial gap in maternal health outcomes; Whereas Black midwives, doulas, perinatal health workers, and community-based organizations provide holistic maternal care, but face structural and legal barriers to licensure, reimbursement, and provision of care