Pritzker signs bill aimed at preventing Black mothers from pregnancy-related deaths

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Since statistics show Black women are three times as likely to suffer from pregnancy-related medical conditions than White women, Illinois Gov. Pritzker signed a bill package Monday aimed at improving mortality rates.

Relying upon data from the Illinois Department of Public Health that showed mortality rates are higher for Black women during pregnancy, the new law guarantees competitive Medicaid reimbursements for “community-based care providers” such as doulas — non-medical support personnel — midwives, lactation consultants, and home visitors.

“It’s unacceptable that Black families must factor risk of death or serious medical complications into the important calculus of having a family, and here in Illinois we are working to close the maternal mortality gap and make sure every Illinoisan can give birth and raise a child safely and healthily,” Pritzker said.

The law also invests $15 million in a tax credit for impoverished families, funding for community birth centers, and a diaper pilot program.

Ten million is allocated for funding to identify and address gaps in other funding programs that work to reduce “adverse maternal health outcomes.”

An unspecified amount is reserved for Illinois abortion clinics that have seen an influx of patients from other states following the Supreme Court’s decision reversing Roe v Wade.

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