Proclamation 10551-Black Maternal Health Week, 2023

Proclamation 10551 designates April 11-17, 2023 as Black Maternal Health Week. The proclamation draws attention to the persistent and severe maternal mortality and morbidity crisis affecting Black women in the United States, who die from pregnancy-related causes at rates two to three times higher than white women regardless of income or education level. It calls for systemic action to address the racial disparities in maternal health care and expand access to quality prenatal and postpartum care.

This proclamation is directed at Black women and their families, obstetricians, midwives, health care systems, insurers, public health advocates, and policymakers. It does not create new health programs or insurance requirements, but draws official attention to Black maternal health as a pressing racial equity and public health crisis requiring urgent action.

Ceremonial proclamations designating awareness weeks for public health disparities are a standard presidential practice. This proclamation carries no binding legal effect and requires no congressional approval.

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