Tennessee Senator to Host Black Maternal Health Hearing

Hearing scheduled during Black Maternal Health Week at the state capitol

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:52am

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A photorealistic painting of the Tennessee State Capitol building, its grand architecture and columns rendered in warm, muted tones with dramatic lighting and shadows, conveying a sense of political gravity and importance.The Tennessee State Capitol building stands as a solemn backdrop for a legislative hearing on the critical issue of Black maternal health.Today in Nashville

Senate Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, will host a legislative hearing on Black maternal health at the Tennessee Capitol Building tomorrow, April 15. The hearing will feature testimony from experts, healthcare professionals, and community advocates during Black Maternal Health Week.

Why it matters

Black women in the U.S. face significantly higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity compared to other racial groups, making this issue a critical public health concern. The hearing aims to raise awareness and explore legislative solutions to address these disparities at the state level.

The details

The hearing will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the systemic challenges and barriers that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes for Black women in Tennessee. Testimony is expected to cover topics such as access to prenatal and postpartum care, implicit bias in the healthcare system, and community-based interventions.

  • The hearing will take place on April 15, 2026.

The players

Sen. London Lamar

A Democratic state senator representing Memphis and the current chair of the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus.

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What’s next

Following the hearing, Sen. Lamar and other legislators are expected to review the testimony and consider potential policy proposals to address Black maternal health in Tennessee.

The takeaway

This hearing represents an important step in bringing greater attention and urgency to the maternal health crisis facing Black women in Tennessee and across the country. Addressing these disparities will require a multi-faceted approach involving lawmakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.