A groundbreaking maternal health bill in Massachusetts has passed both legislative chambers and is awaiting approval from Governor Maura Healey. The bill aims to save lives by creating opportunities for midwives and lactation consultants to obtain licenses, establishing more freestanding birth centers, and implementing a grant program to address maternal mental health and substance use disorder.
The legislation also expands the universal postpartum home visiting program, mandates insurance coverage for postpartum depression and major depressive disorder screenings, and requires insurers to cover doula and midwifery services. It creates a state license for certified professional midwives, sets up oversight via the Board of Registration in Midwifery, and promotes access to freestanding birth centers.
To tackle racial inequities in maternal health, the bill enhances the postpartum home visiting program and coverage for services. A 2023 report showed maternal morbidity nearly doubled in Massachusetts from 2011 to 2020, with Black women facing higher complications during labor and delivery.
Additionally, the bill mandates coverage for medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk, offering vital nutrition for premature infants. Governor Healey has expressed support for the bill, emphasizing its significance in safeguarding reproductive health and providing equitable access to maternal care. This comprehensive legislation underscores Massachusetts’ commitment to promoting safe and accessible birthing options, mental health support, and addressing disparities in maternal healthcare.
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