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PRINTER'S NO. 3657
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 574
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY MAYES, ABNEY, HOHENSTEIN, KHAN, GUZMAN, WAXMAN,
CAUSER, SHUSTERMAN, D. WILLIAMS, MERSKI, RIVERA, E. NELSON,
CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, STEELE, MADDEN AND CIRESI, JUNE 18, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, JUNE 22, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the week of September 14 through 20, 2026, as "Birth
Center Week" in Pennsylvania to celebrate the dedication that
birth centers have made to providing a healthy, positive and
safe experience for both mothers and newborns.
WHEREAS, According to the March of Dimes in 2025, more than
2.3 million women of childbearing age lived in a maternal health
care desert; and
WHEREAS, Maternity care deserts limit access to timely and
proper obstetric and prenatal care; and
WHEREAS, As the rates of maternal mortality and morbidity
grow, increasing access to maternal health care is imperative;
and
WHEREAS, Community birth centers provide a home-like
atmosphere where mothers can experience low risk and culturally
competent care from midwives; and
WHEREAS, Birth centers conduct risk assessments, evaluate
patients' medical history and follow strict eligibility
guidelines to determine how to properly care for each patient,
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with centers transferring women with complications requiring
interventions to hospitals; and
WHEREAS, Birth centers provide mothers with constant
supportive birthing techniques and only intervene medically if
it is necessary; and
WHEREAS, Staff members at birth centers focus on family-
centered care and create a relaxing, safe environment while
mothers prepare for their birthing experience; and
WHEREAS, According to a study conducted by the American
Association of Birth Centers, mothers who give birth in a birth
center are less likely to have a cesarean section; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, studies indicate that 80% of women
giving birth could have a safe and low-risk birthing experience
at a birth center; and
WHEREAS, After delivery, staff members at birth centers
continue to provide care and postpregnancy-related services to
mothers and newborns; and
WHEREAS, Research indicates that giving birth at a birth
center can be more affordable than giving birth at a hospital;
and
WHEREAS, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
reported that giving birth at a birth center led to better birth
outcomes at a 21% lower cost; and
WHEREAS, Community birth centers provide substantial care to
communities of color, counties with high maternal and infant
mortality rates and areas facing health care facility closures;
and
WHEREAS, Birth Center Equity recognizes September 14 through
20, 2026, as "Birth Center Week"; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
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week of September 14 through 20, 2026, as "Birth Center Week" in
Pennsylvania to raise awareness of the maternal health crisis
and to recognize the substantial impact birth centers have in
our communities.
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