Senate Passes Durbin, Collins Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Important Work Of Doulas
Resolution also designates the week of May 9th as National Doula Week
WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) recognizing the work and contributions of doulas towards improving pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes; lowering pregnancy and childbirth related costs; and reducing the impact of racial bias on pregnant and postpartum women of color. Further, the resolution designates the week of May 9th as National Doula Week, in honor of the important work that doulas provide to help pregnant and postpartum women nationwide.
“Doulas are often the missing link in maternal health care and one of the most valuable and cost-effective tools needed to help solve the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis in the United States,” Durbin said. “I’m proud the Senate passed our bipartisan resolution honoring the work of doulas during the newly designated National Doula Week.”
“Doulas provide invaluable guidance and support to new and expectant mothers as they navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum,” said Collins. “Our bipartisan resolution recognizes the important role of doulas and the often unseen contributions they make to help mothers and their families.”
The Senate resolution:
- Reaffirms the important role of doulas in maternal care and addressing maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States;
- Acknowledges that access to doula support services, especially in underserved communities, may contribute to improved birth outcomes and lower health care costs;
- Urges greater recognition and support for the important role that doulas play in—
- supporting improved pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes, including maternal mental health;
- reducing health care costs and working towards the elimination of health disparities; and
- overcoming barriers for women of color and women in rural areas;
- Designates the week of May 9, 2021, as “Doula Week” to raise awareness for, and advocate for the benefits of, doulas and the support services doulas provide.
“Doulas provide the supportive care pregnant people need through the birthing process. In this resolution, I join my colleagues in honoring their work and pledging to expand access to this crucial care,” said U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), who will be introducing a House companion resolution.
Full text of the Senate resolution is available here.
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