Assemblymember Sharp Collins introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 18 on Jan. 16, 2025, designating Jan. 23 as Maternal Health Awareness Day and drawing several floor remarks about disparities in maternal outcomes and access to care.

The resolution passed after the clerk recorded 74 co-authors and the Assembly took a voice vote adopting the measure.

The resolution’s sponsor, Assemblymember Sharp Collins, said maternal health is “a key aspect of public health” and urged colleagues to address disparities faced by Black women and other women of color. She told colleagues the Assembly has “a collective responsibility” to pursue health equity.

Several members described specific concerns that proponents said the resolution highlights rather than prescribes. Assemblymember Rob Bonta said California must protect rural maternity services and expand access to birthing centers, saying geography and poverty should not determine maternal outcomes. Assemblymember Patel said “a mother dies every 5 days due to complications in maternal care,” and said 80% of those deaths are preventable; he urged colleagues to vote yes. Assemblymember El Hawari recounted a case she said occurred at Centinela Hospital Medical Center, saying it illustrated how failures in care can have fatal consequences.

Speakers repeatedly noted racial disparities cited on the floor: participants said Black women account for roughly 5% of pregnancies in California but make up about 21% of pregnancy-related deaths, figures presented by multiple members during debate. Members urged culturally competent care, multilingual staff and policies to prevent further maternity-ward closures in underserved areas.

The Assembly’s action on the resolution was symbolic: the measure proclaims awareness and intent rather than creating new law or funding. Proponents framed the resolution as a step toward legislative attention and future proposals to address care access, implicit bias in clinical settings and supports for postpartum care.

The resolution's co-author roll was opened and closed on the floor; the clerk recorded 74 co-authors before members voted to adopt the resolution by voice vote.

The Assembly moved on to other business after the adoption; members who spoke on ACR 18 emphasized that the resolution aims to keep maternal disparities before policymakers and to underpin forthcoming legislative work.