Maternal Health Bill to Receive Vote in Massachusetts House: Advocates and Residents Hope for Improved Care

The Massachusetts House of Representatives is set to approve legislation that aims to address the increasing maternal health issues. After a leadership meeting on Monday, House Speaker Ron Mariano announced that the House plans to vote on a maternal health care bill during the week. The urgency arises from the fact that severe maternal morbidity rates in Massachusetts have nearly doubled from 2011 to 2020, with Black individuals experiencing notably higher complication rates.

The current version of the bill includes provisions for alternative pathways to midwife licensure, removing barriers for health centers, and state-required postpartum depression screenings. Speaker Mariano emphasized that this bill is crucial for improving care for mothers throughout all stages of pregnancy and postpartum. Advocates highlight the significance of this bill for residents in rural areas, such as parts of western Massachusetts, where there may be limited healthcare access.

Advocates suggest that by expanding access to midwifery care and enabling the opening of licensed birthing centers, this legislation can address the healthcare gaps in rural areas. At the leadership meeting, Senate President Karen Spilka did not provide information on the Senate’s progress with the bill, though Senator Julian Cyr, co-chair of the Public Health Committee, expressed support for the bill last month. The House is expected to vote on this bill during a formal session scheduled for Thursday.

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