By Bob Katzen
Gov. Healey signed into law 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 is home to the best health care, but there was work to be done to improve birth options and health equity for families across the state,” said Gov. Healey. “These important expansions in the law will help make it both safer and easier to start and grow a family here in Massachusetts, while making sure that women can make the best health care decisions for themselves.”
“Massachusetts is renowned for its world-class hospitals and health care facilities, and this legislation builds on that legacy by prioritizing maternal health care needs and providing expanded childbirth options for the commonwealth’s residents,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “In addition to creating a formal licensing process for certified professional midwives and lactation consultants, this legislation will offer expectant parents access to a wide range of services to ensure a successful pregnancy and childbirth, including universal postpartum home visits and postpartum depression screenings.”
“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.”
“These investments are part of our commitment across agencies to eliminate disparities in maternal health care that have led to worse outcomes in some communities and for people of color – especially Black birthing people,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “We are taking specific steps in designated communities to support the most disproportionately impacted residents and help provide much needed access to equitable perinatal and postpartum care.”