BATON ROUGE — Black maternal health experts and advocates gathered on the steps of the State Capitol on Wednesday morning as a part of Black Maternal Health Week.

The event, held on Black Maternal Health Advocacy Day, was designed to bring statewide attention to the maternal health crisis disproportionately impacting Black women and their families, organizers said.

The event also served as an opportunity for advocates to share policy solutions with legislators during the ongoing session where multiple bills are being introduced that could "move the needle on Black maternal and infant health."

One such piece of legislation, HCR 14, would ask the government to formally designate April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week.

Organizers said they want to see legislation address social determinants of health that affect maternal health outcomes, an increase in the perinatal workforce, an investment in maternal mental health care and abortion access.

"At a time when Blackness and equity are increasingly under direct attack, the journey toward equity in maternal health must be one including intentional legislation and unwavering advocacy," said Frankie Robertson, president of the Amandla Group.