Black Maternal Health Week takes place April 11–17, 2026. It’s a week to celebrate, learn, and take action to support Black mothers and birthing people. The Black Mamas Matter Alliance started this movement 10 years ago to shine a light on the challenges Black women face during pregnancy and birth.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice and Joy,” honors a decade of community leadership. It lifts up the strength and resilience of Black women and calls for healing, fairness and real change.
Why this week matters
Black women face higher risks during pregnancy and birth. Here are a few key facts:
- Black women are about three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. In 2023, around 50 out of every 100,000 Black women died from causes related to pregnancy.
- More than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States could be prevented.
- Black women are five to six times more likely than white women to have serious health problems, such as preeclampsia or heart issues, after giving birth.
Did you know?
- These gaps affect Black women of all incomes and backgrounds. Bias in the health system is a major factor.
- Most pregnancy-related deaths can be prevented. Many happen because warning signs are missed. With quick, appropriate care, dangerous complications like high blood pressure or heavy bleeding can often be avoided.
- Policy change can help save lives. For example, expanding Medicaid coverage after birth and increasing access to doulas both help reduce these disparities.
Oregon Health Authority’s work to improve maternal health
Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Legislature have been working to support safer, more culturally respectful care. In 2025, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 692, a law that created a program to help families access perinatal and postpartum services that are culturally specific and competent. These services support people during pregnancy and up to one year after birth.
On Jan. 1, 2026, Senate Bill 692 took effect. Because Black, Indigenous and other communities of color face higher rates of maternal and infant death, this law helps expand access to trusted providers by requiring commercial health plans and Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) to cover perinatal services including those provided by:
- Birth doulas
- Postpartum doulas
- Lactation counselors
- Lactation educators
How you can get involved
- Show up and support. Attend or host an event in your community. Use this week to learn more, support local families, and build connections that last all year.
- Speak up. Ask local leaders to support policies that expand Medicaid coverage, increase access to doulas, and invest in Black led maternal health programs.