The California State Assembly on Jan. 16 adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 18, designating Jan. 23 as Maternal Health Awareness Day. Assemblymember Sharp Collins introduced the resolution and asked colleagues to register as co-authors; the measure was later adopted by voice vote after 74 co-authors were added.

Supporters said the resolution raises public attention to persistent disparities in maternal outcomes and signals a legislative commitment to further policy work. “Black women in the US face a maternal mortality rate that's 2 times well, 2 to 3 times higher than other ethnic groups, and they're also are experiencing higher rates of maternal morbidity,” Assemblymember Sharp Collins said on the Assembly floor. “Black women are only 5% of pregnancies in California, but make up 21% of pregnancy related deaths.”

Assemblymember Sharp Collins said the resolution is intended to focus lawmakers and the public on those gaps. “By understanding and addressing the magnitude of fraternal and postpartum disparities, we can take a collective action that will require us to consider the diverse backgrounds and experiences of mothers,” she said.

Several members spoke in support of the resolution and stressed gaps in access and outcomes. Assemblymember Bonta praised the resolution and said rural hospital and maternity ward availability must be addressed so geography and poverty do not determine outcomes. Assemblymember Patel said, “A mother dies every 5 days due to complications in maternal care. And 80% of these deaths are completely preventable.” Assemblymember El Hawari recounted the death of April Valentine at Centinela Hospital Medical Center to underscore claims that systemic failures and failures to listen to patients contribute to preventable deaths.

The Assembly opened the roll for co-authors on the resolution; the clerk recorded 74 co-authors. After debate concluded, the body took a voice vote and the speaker announced the ayes had it and the resolution was adopted.

While the resolution itself is ceremonial — designating a day of awareness rather than creating new law — speakers framed it as a preparatory step tied to promised future legislative work on maternal health equity. Assemblymember Sharp Collins closed by asking colleagues to treat maternal health as a public-health priority and to pursue concrete policy solutions following the awareness effort.

Votes at a glance: the resolution was adopted by voice vote; the clerk recorded 74 co-authors added during the floor action.

The Assembly continued other business after adopting ACR 18, including procedural matters related to the extraordinary session and other file movements.