“Our Momnibus package is the culmination of years of work to address the critical issues surrounding maternal health and well-being,” Cephas said. “These core areas of increasing access to care, eliminating maternal health deserts, and addressing social determinants of health, guide our focus in this comprehensive platform. This caucus has done an amazing job of developing a multi-pronged approach to achieve health and maternal care equity for birthing people across the state no matter where they live.” Read more
The bill, introduced by state Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) is part of a package of legislation on Black maternal health — nicknamed the “Momnibus” by supporters — that includes a requirement for Medicaid to pay for blood pressure monitors, which also passed Monday in the state House with a 164-37 vote. Read more
Legislation to cover remote blood-pressure monitors through Medicaid, CHIP Read more
HARRISBURG, May 6 – PA House lawmakers today passed legislation authored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., that would extend Medicaid coverage to doula services in the state. Under Cephas’ bill ( H.B. 1608 ), Medicaid would reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services, including physical and emotional support, during pregnancy, labor and delivery and up to one year postpartum. “Research has shown that doula support leads to improved birth outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor durations and higher rates of breastfeeding initiation. By providing continuous support throughout and after pregnancy, doulas contribute to safer and more positive birth experiences for families," Cephas said. "Lack of health coverage for these services in Medicaid leads to a vast disparity in care for women who are already statistically at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with Black birthing people at the highest risk of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This legislation would give these parents a proven network of support needed to produce better mental and physical health outcomes during their birthing journey. I appreciate that my House colleagues understood the wisdom of providing this to moms who receive their health care under Medicaid.” The bill also would establish a Doula Read more
This Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, join the PBMHC for a special "Brunch and Learn" on Friday, May 31st, from 12pm to 1pm! Read more
Legislation would establish state resource program for new parents Read more
HARRISBURG, April 17 – The PA House Health Committee today approved legislation authored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., that would extend Medicaid coverage to doula services in the state. Under Cephas’ bill ( H.B. 1608 ), Medicaid would reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services, including physical and emotional support, during pregnancy, labor and delivery and up to one year postpartum. “Research has shown that doula support leads to improved birth outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor durations and higher rates of breastfeeding initiation. By providing continuous support throughout and after pregnancy, doulas contribute to safer and more positive birth experiences for mothers," Cephas said. "While some moms can afford doula services without insurance or have insurance that covers it, moms who receive their vital pregnancy care through Medicaid are not so lucky. This leads to a vast inequality in care for women who are already statistically at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with Black women at the highest risk of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This legislation would give these mothers a proven network of support needed to produce better mental and physical health outcomes during their birthing journey.” The bill also would establish a Doula Advisory Read more
Screenings for hypertension decrease maternal mortality Read more
Black Pennsylvanians had the highest pregnancy-associated mortality ratio at 148 per 100,000 live births, which is nearly twice as much as white Pennsylvanians who had a PAMR at 81 per 100,000 live births, highlighting racial disparities in maternal health care. Read more
Social Media and informational Tool Kit for Black Maternal Health Week 2024 Read more
“These statistics are not new,” Curry said. “But sadly, an alarming number of people are still unaware just how dire the situation is for Black mommas here in Pennsylvania and the United States. While we are doing everything we can to take action in the legislature, we also cannot afford to stop talking about Black maternal health. That’s why I am so glad we have established Black Maternal Health Week in the commonwealth. By establishing this week, we encourage people and healthcare providers to get educated about this issue and learn how they can better care for themselves, their children, their family, and their neighbors.” Read more
“That’s major. This is a huge win and victory for moms all across the Commonwealth,” said State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes. “For some people, the doula is the only person they have to support them.” Read more
The resolution would recognize Thursday, April 11 to Wednesday, April 17 as Black Maternal Health Week. The House Human Services Committee unanimously reported the resolution of out committee. Read more
“With maternal mortality at its highest rates since 1965 and Black women at a higher risk of dying from complications during child birth, we must address the maternal health care crisis to reduce racial disparities in health care, as well as combat Black maternal morbidity and mortality,” Mayes said. “Even healthy women, such as U.S. Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie who died in May 2023 from pre-eclampsia, are at risk. As such, we must ensure Black women and Black pregnant people have access to equitable health care so that we may systemically combat maternal morbidity and mortality.” Read more
“With this legislation, we have the opportunity to address the maternal health care crisis, starting with one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality: hypertension,” Mayes said. “By expanding Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors, pregnant or postpartum enrollees may detect high blood pressure and receive treatment before it’s too late. When left untreated, women’s risk of cardiovascular disease increases. This legislation will improve maternal health outcomes, Black maternal health, and women’s health care overall.” Read more
“As the first Black woman to represent the 24th Legislative District, I aspire to continue the legacy of former state Representative Fauset and I am especially honored to be recognized by my peers for my leadership in the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus,” Mayes said. “While Representative Fauset served in the House, she advocated for Black Pennsylvanians, especially to make housing more affordable for Black communities in Philadelphia, health care more accessible, and women’s rights in labor. Read more
“The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion and parent should have what they need for their babies when they enter the world,” Mayes said. “While my partner Heather and I were lucky to have our family and friends and my colleagues in Harrisburg host multiple baby showers, every mom or parent does not necessarily have that level of support or can afford every they need. That’s why I partnered with Healthy Start Pittsburgh, the leading Black maternal health organization in western Pennsylvania, to distribute diapers, wipes and other baby supplies to expecting parents and new parents. Together, we must work to aid Pennsylvanians in need, starting from birth.” Read more
“Doulas address Black maternal mortality and morbidity by reducing complications and improving maternal health outcomes. With the Department of Human Services’ expanding doula services, the state will allow doulas to enroll as Medicaid providers, making these services more affordable for low-income Pennsylvanians. With Black women 3.5 times more likely to die during pregnancy-related complications, we must ensure that they have access to services that would aid them during their pregnancies. We thank Gov. Josh Shapiro, Secretary of Human Services Val Arkoosh, and the administration for advancing policies that address Black maternal health, and the PBMHC will work toward advancing PA’s MOMNIBUS – a legislative package introduced to boldly address maternal morbidity and mortality – to the governor’s desk.” Read more
“A lot of what we’re talking about today won’t see the light of day in Harrisburg, because it’s so divided,” Representative Cephas told the committee. “But trust and believe: A lot of things that you are doing here in Philly — so, for example, the Philly Joy Bank — they’re replicating across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Read more
The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Gina Curry and Rep. Lisa Borowski and is part of a “Momnibus” legislative package introduced by the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus. Other bills in the package propose expanding Medicaid coverage for doula services, requiring private insurance coverage of blood pressure cuffs for new parents, distributing “welcome baby kits” to some new mothers and more. Read more
PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Gina H. Curry welcomes Rep. Bridget Kosierowski to discuss disparities in Black maternal health and necessary policy changes to improve outcomes. Read more
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