Compromise reached on bill that aims to address maternal health crisis

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) – A maternal health care bill is in Governor Healey’s hands that aims to address the rate of severe maternal morbidity in Massachusetts, which has nearly doubled from 2011 to 2020.

This startling statistic is complicated by higher rates of complications in black and brown pregnant people and is not in line with other countries with similar maternal health policies. The bill hopes to address the discrepancy.

This piece of legislation hopes to create pathways for midwives to be licensed in the state, eliminate barriers to opening birth centers, and increase access to postpartum depression screenings, among other provisions.

Speaker of the House Ron Mariano announced maternal healthcare as a priority issue in June, saying it is an essential change that needs to be made in the Commonwealth.

“A bill that will strengthen the ability for us to care for mothers from the beginning of pregnancy right through postpartum,” said Mariano.

The House version of the bill includes a provision that allows lactation consultants to be licensed, which is included in the final version. The compromise also includes insurance coverage of donor milk or milk-derived products, expands some insurance coverage of doula care, and improves ultrasound services oversight.

While both House and Senate leaders indicated interest in special sessions at the end of the formal session, there is still no word on whether other health care priority bills will be tackled before the next term begins in January.

Olivia Ray is a State House reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since April 2024. Follow Olivia on X @OliviaRayMedia and view her bio to see more of her work.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.