Anne Arundel County Declares Black Maternal Health Week Amid Disparity Concerns

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman has officially proclaimed April 11–17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week, highlighting disparities in pregnancy-related outcomes and calling for increased awareness and action.

The proclamation, issued April 11, emphasizes that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States are considered preventable. It also underscores significant racial disparities, noting that Black women are more than three times as likely as their white counterparts to die from pregnancy-related complications.

County officials said the designation aims to bring attention to maternal health inequities and improve outcomes through education, advocacy, and access to care.

The proclamation also points to local disparities, including higher rates of postpartum hospital visits among Black women in Anne Arundel County compared to white patients.

Black Maternal Health Week is intended to amplify the voices of affected families and promote solutions addressing maternal health, birth outcomes, and reproductive justice.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about maternal and infant health resources by visiting AAHealth.org/maternal-infant-health.