Designates April 11 of each year as "Black Doula Day."
Impact
The establishment of Black Doula Day is expected to raise awareness about the importance of doula care, particularly in light of alarming racial disparities in maternal health statistics in New Jersey. The state ranks 25th in maternal mortality, with Black mothers over seven times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications compared to their white counterparts. By officially recognizing this day, the resolution aims to promote the visibility of doulas as integral members of maternity care teams, particularly in communities of color.
Summary
AJR60 is a joint resolution in New Jersey that designates April 11 of each year as 'Black Doula Day.' This day is intended to coincide with the Global Black Doula Day, a celebration aimed at advocating for and uplifting the role of Black doulas in maternal health care. The resolution highlights the critical support provided by doulas, who offer physical, emotional, and informational assistance to mothers before, during, and after childbirth, ultimately improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Contention
While AJR60 broadly supports the work of doulas within the state, there may be points of contention regarding the adequacy and availability of resources to ensure comprehensive support for maternal health. The resolution points out that New Jersey was the third state to cover doula care under Medicaid and emphasizes the need for culturally competent care through community training. However, disparities in access to these resources could remain a contentious issue among advocates and policymakers, especially concerning the implementation of such measures at the community level.