H.Res. 231 — Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

This section expresses the sense of the House of Representatives by (1) encouraging Federal, State, and local governments to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes by supporting initiatives to diversify the perinatal workforce and increase access to culturally congruent maternal health care; (2) committing to collaborate with stakeholders to develop policy solutions promoting health equity and supporting Black midwifery; (3) calling for increased funding for midwifery education and training, access to Black preceptors, financial support for students and preceptors, and mentorship programs while removing accreditation barriers across training pathways; (4) encouraging Federal and State governments to authorize autonomous practice of midwives to the full extent of their training; (5) promoting TRICARE and Medicaid coverage of maternity care provided by midwives of all training pathways; (6) encouraging destigmatization and decriminalization of midwifery in settings of choice including homes, birth centers, clinics, and health units; and (7) recognizing the contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health.