Executive Proclamation

On behalf of the Residents of Anne Arundel County, Maryland

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States are preventable; and

WHEREAS, Black women and birthing people in the United States are more than three times as likely as white birthing people to die from pregnancy-related causes; and

WHEREAS, Black women and birthing people in Anne Arundel County return to a hospital for postpartum issues two times more often than white birthing people; and

WHEREAS, the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women and birthing people span across income levels, education levels, socioeconomic status, access to health care, and behavioral health; and

WHEREAS, Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to bring awareness to the deaths of Black women who have lost their lives to pregnancy related complications and to amplify the voices of Black mothers, women, and their families in order to address maternal health, birth, and reproductive justice.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Steuart L. Pittman, County Executive of Anne Arundel County, do hereby proclaim April 11-17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Anne Arundel County and commend all efforts to raise awareness and foster positive change.