BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey signed omnibus maternal health legislation Friday that will enable pregnant and postpartum individuals to gain access to expanded care options. The legislation creates a pathway for certified professional midwives and lactation consultants to be licensed in Massachusetts, in addition to easing regulatory hurdles to open birth centers for low-risk pregnancies. […]
maternal health
Editorial: Most vulnerable maternal-health bill’s beneficiaries
As we had hoped, something positive did result from the closing of Leominster Hospital’s maternity ward. UMass Memorial Health’s unwavering decision to close that vital birthing unit last September sent a clear signal to Beacon Hill that the state needs more leverage to bear in these situations. And that can only happen through the Legislature, […]
Senate approves maternal health bill
BOSTON — The Senate on Tuesday night passed an omnibus maternal health care package that expands care options and creates a path for certified professional midwives to become licensed. The Senate bill, which is similar to legislation the House passed last month, would also remove barriers to establishing free-standing birth centers, boost access to postpartum […]
House approves omnibus maternal health bill
BOSTON — Pregnant individuals and new mothers could soon benefit from expanded physical and mental health care options under a sweeping maternal health bill the House unanimously passed on Thursday. Representatives say the legislation (H 4773) could stem the tide of deteriorating maternal health outcomes, particularly among people of color, by creating a pathway for […]
May 1 deadline for $10M in maternal health grants
BOSTON — State public health officials intend to award $10 million in grants for maternal and reproductive health care initiatives, as the Healey administration looks to combat the worsening rate of severe maternal morbidity that’s disproportionately impacting people of color. The Department of Public Health will distribute the grants over three years, Gov. Maura Healey’s […]
Editorial: Maternal monitoring proposal would help offset medical closures
When UMass Memorial Medical Center closed the Leominster hospital’s maternity ward back in September – over the objections of area residents, nurses, and the Department of Public Health – Gov. Maura Healey commissioned a study on statewide access to maternal health care, as well as access to essential services in northern Worcester County. Results […]
