PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Celebrates Legacy of Black Midwives
Virtual celebration held on Black Midwifery Day
Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes March 14, 2025 | 4:57 PM
HARRISBURG, March 14 – As part of their Brunch and Learn series of virtual meetings, the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus today held a celebration in recognition of the legacy of Black midwives on Black Midwifery Day.
State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, co-chair of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus, hosted the event “Delivering Justice” along with co-chairs state Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, to recognize the essential contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health. The event featured three midwives to discuss what drew them to the profession and the challenges they face.
“Black Midwifery Day is an important day to not only celebrate, but a day to preserve the rich, cultural history, legacy, and tradition of Black midwifery,” said Mayes.
“As we heard from our featured guests today, these dedicated professionals are getting the job done for Black maternal health in communities across Pennsylvania, and we need to do more to uplift the vital role that they play in our health care system that is too often undervalued.”
Legislators said Black birthing people in Pennsylvania face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, often due to lack of access to quality, culturally responsive care. Expanding the role and workforce of Black midwives is essential to closing these disparities, particularly in maternal care deserts where access to providers is severely limited.
Mayes, Curry and Cephas have introduced legislation (H.R. 117) in the state House of Representatives, which would officially recognize March 14, 2025, as "Black Midwives Day" in Pennsylvania.
“Recognizing Black Midwifery Day is not just about honoring history—it is a necessary strategy to improve Black maternal health outcomes across the Commonwealth,” said Curry.
The PA Black Maternal Health Caucus remains committed to advancing legislative solutions that expand access to midwifery care, remove financial and institutional barriers, and ensure every Black mother and birthing person receives the high-quality care they deserve.