Bay State Birth Coalition Celebrates Senate Passage of Comprehensive Maternal Health Bill

Coalition looks forward to working with conference chairs to secure strongest possible bill

BOSTON (July 30, 2024) – Members of the Bay State Birth Coalition, a coalition of more than 20 partner organizations, released the following joint statement today after the Massachusetts Senate passed a comprehensive maternal health package to address the worsening maternal health crisis in the state. The legislation includes provisions to create a pathway to licensure for Certified Professional Midwives, reimburse Certified Nurse Midwives equitably, and to instruct the Department of Public Health to update and revise the regulations that govern freestanding birth centers in the state. 

“We are thrilled that the Senate acted today to pass a bold bill to address the maternal health crisis and expand access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options in our state. We’re grateful to Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, Senator Miranda, Senator Cyr, Senator Rausch, Senator Comerford, Senator Crighton and the entire chamber for their work to advance this bill across the finish line that will improve birthing experiences for Black and brown birthing people, lower health care costs, expand the maternal health care workforce, and give pregnant people the ability to decide how and where to give birth with dignity,” said the Bay State Birth Coalition in a joint statement. “Both the Senate and House birthing justice packages take meaningful steps to center the birthing experiences of pregnant people, and understand that midwifery autonomy is of critical importance when it comes to fully integrating and empowering midwives. Now, we look forward to working with the conference committee to secure the strongest possible bill that creates a pathway for a sustainable, successful, and equitable midwifery workforce.”

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