In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, we affirm our commitment to advancing birthing health equity through advocacy that centers the lived experiences of Black birthing people, families, and communities. Black women are disproportionately impacted by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, disparities in access to culturally affirming care, and structural barriers to reproductive health and pregnancy support services. MHA is committed to an advocacy agenda rooted in justice, dignity, and a future where all people receive the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Perinatal & Maternal Mental Health Legislative Priorities

1. An Act to Establish a Perinatal Behavioral Health Care Workforce Trust Fund (S.1411 | H.2208)

Sponsors: Senator Miranda; Representative Fluker-Reid
This bill creates a trust fund to train mental health professionals in perinatal mental health, with a focus on culturally congruent care. It aims to expand access to providers who reflect and understand the communities they serve.

2. An Act Relative to the Well-Being of New Mothers and Infants (S.1171 | H.1924)

Sponsors: Senator Lovely; Representative O’Day
This bill directs the Department of Public Health to launch a digital resource center and issue statewide standards to address perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). It also provides services and sentence review for individuals impacted by PMADs at the time of criminal offenses.

3. An Act Enhancing Post-Pregnancy Mental Health Care (S.823 | H.1314)

Sponsors: Senator Rausch; Representative Sabadosa
This legislation mandates insurance coverage for post-pregnancy mental health care, including care related to miscarriage and loss. It ensures ongoing support for people navigating mental health challenges after birth.

4. An Act to Establish a Diaper Benefit Pilot Program (S.151 | H.220)

Sponsors: Senator Lovely; Representatives Domb & Sabadosa
This bill creates a pilot program that provides diapers through community organizations, recognizing the essential role diapers play in maternal and infant health. The Department of Public Health would manage the fund and oversee grant distribution.

5. An Act Promoting and Enhancing the Sustainability of Birth Centers and the Midwifery Workforce (S.784 | H.1117)

Sponsors: Senator Lovely; Representatives Cruz & Sabadosa
This bill establishes a midwifery development fund and an advisory commission to improve midwifery reimbursement rates. It also requires insurance coverage for midwifery services across all care settings.

6. An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services (S.789 | H.1312)

Sponsors: Senator Miranda; Representative Sabadosa
This bill requires insurance payors to cover doula services, ensuring families have access to continuous, culturally aligned perinatal support. Doulas play a critical role in improving maternal outcomes, especially for Black birthing people.