By Bob Katzen
The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a maternal health bill that would require certified professional midwives and lactation consultants to be licensed; encourage the creation of more freestanding birth centers; establish a grant program to address maternal mental health and substance use disorder; expand the statewide universal postpartum home visiting program; and mandate that insurers provide coverage for postpartum depression and major depressive disorder screenings for perinatal individuals.
“Massachusetts has some of the best health outcomes in the country, but we have a glaring and persistent disparity in maternal health outcomes, especially when it comes to the experience of Black mothers,” said Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro), House chair of the Committee on Public Health. “The maternal health bill passed by the Legislature will expand access to care for all mothers and ameliorate the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis here in Massachusetts.”
“I am proud that this important legislation will take positive steps toward addressing the disparities in maternal healthcare,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Strengthening access to physical and mental health in Massachusetts will provide a more inclusive support system that keeps parents and children healthy as they embark on their new journey. Every single family in our commonwealth deserves high quality care and support. Not only are we safeguarding the health of new families, but also laying a stronger foundation for future generations.”
“While the commonwealth’s health care system is amongst the best in the world, inequities in maternal health remain prevalent, and certain aspects of care are woefully insufficient,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “That’s why the reforms included in this legislation are so important, as they will help to close racial inequities and improve maternal health care statewide.”
“Today the Legislature took much needed action to strengthen access to physical and mental health care for pregnant people and new parents in Massachusetts,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “This is an important step to help ensure all expecting individuals regardless of background or economic status have access to the health services they need