WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced a bipartisan resolution supporting today, July 24, as Bump Day. The day is part of an annual, global campaign that celebrates healthy pregnancies and raises awareness of maternal health care challenges.

"All mothers deserve the care and support that's needed for a safe pregnancy, birth, and healthy future for both mother and child," said Senator Coons. "Bump Day celebrates and honors expectant mothers and their pregnancy journey, while advocating for the health care and support they need. I'm proud to introduce this resolution with Senator Collins and encourage more work towards making wide ranging maternal health care accessible for all."

"Bump Day is part of a campaign that raises awareness of the need for improved maternal health care in the United States and around the world," said Senator Collins. "This bipartisan resolution recognizes the critical importance of ending preventable maternal deaths by better ensuring that every mother has access to the care they need throughout their pregnancy."

"Every mom - no matter where she lives, the color of her skin, or her ability to pay - deserves the care she needs to deliver a safe pregnancy and birth and a healthy future to herself and the baby she loves," said Heidi Murkoff, author, What to Expect When You're Expecting and Founder, the What to Expect Project. "That's not a partisan issue - that's a human issue. And that's why the What to Expect Project and I are so proud to work together with Republicans and Democrats to support the #BumpDay resolution and its vital mission: to raise awareness and spur action to finally address the urgent, growing need for better, more equitable and accessible, more respectful and responsive, maternal healthcare care for every mom, everywhere: without disparity, without exception, and without the gaps that currently span hundreds of miles through maternity care deserts, both rural and urban, leaving far too many moms and babies at risk. We're grateful to Senators Coons and Collins for their shared commitment to the health and well-being of moms and babies."

Each year in the United States, more than 800 women still die from pregnancy-related and childbirth-related complications; 80% of all maternal deaths are preventable. Bump Day promotes action to end the crisis of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

A fact sheet is available here.