Proclaiming April 11 to 17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week in the City of Toronto - by Councillor Amber Morley, seconded by Councillor Michael Thompson

For example, a study from McGill University found that 8.9 percent of Black women gave birth to preterm babies between 2004 and 2006, compared to 5.9 percent of white women. This data stresses the need for targeted interventions and support to address disparities. Even with a universal healthcare system, Black women face health disparities due to systemic anti-Black racism and social inequalities. A 2023 study revealed that many Black women in Toronto feel dismissed, ignored, and neglected by healthcare providers. To improve Black maternal health, the healthcare system and other frontline providers must train service providers on anti-Black racism, specific to the care of Black childbearing women, and increase the number of Black service providers in perinatal settings. Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, the Black Maternal Health Collective Canada will bring together healthcare leaders, policymakers, community advocates, families and allies to advance equitable maternal health outcomes for Black communities. This year's theme, "From Awareness to Accountability: The Role of Families, Allies & Systems in Black Maternal Health," calls for collective action across institutions and communities to address longstanding disparities in maternal health experienced by Black women and families in Canada. Toronto Black Maternal Health Week, April 11 to 17, 2026, takes place during Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the systemic challenges affecting Black women's reproductive health and advocating for solutions. This commitment is in line with the City of Toronto's broader work to deepen cultural and systemic change and deliver better outcomes for Black Torontonians, such as the development of a renewed 10-year Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism . With this proclamation, we commit to collaborating and advocating with partners for improvements to Black maternal health equity. The City of Toronto also commits to providing equitable and welcoming spaces for Black parents and families in Toronto through existing City programs and services, including raising awareness on this important issue.