The Massachusetts House of Representatives is set to pass legislation addressing the worsening maternal health outcomes in the state, with a focus on improving care for mothers from the beginning of pregnancy through postpartum.
House Speaker Ron Mariano announced that a maternal health care bill is a top priority due to the significant increase in severe maternal morbidity rates in Massachusetts, especially for Black individuals. The bill includes provisions for alternative pathways to midwife licensure, removing barriers to operating health centers, and mandating post-partum depression screenings.
Advocates emphasize the importance of this bill for individuals living in rural areas, such as parts of western Massachusetts, where access to healthcare may be limited. Edward Bray, Senior Director of State Affairs at the March of Dimes, explained that the legislation will expand access to care through greater opportunities for midwifery services and the establishment of licensed birthing centers. Although Senate President Karen Spilka did not provide an update on the Senate’s progress during the leadership meeting, Senator Julian Cyr expressed his support for the bill last month.
The House is set to hold a formal session on Thursday, during which the vote on the maternal health care bill is expected to take place. 22News, an NBC affiliate serving western Massachusetts since March 1953, has been providing local news coverage throughout its history and continues to do so with its digital edition airing at 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
