PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs applaud over $38 million in maternal health investments incorporated in PA 2026-27 budget
Rep. Morgan B. Cephas July 21, 2026 | 9:18 AM
The PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs, Reps. Morgan Cephas, La’Tasha D. Mayes and Gina Curry, have praised the funding allocations embedded in the budget for moms and birthing people in the Commonwealth.
In the 2026-27 state budget, the following investments are being made, totaling $38,586,000:
- $5,239,000 for Black Maternal Health Programs
- $7,329,000 for Newborn Screening
- $1,447,000 for Maternal and Child Health
- $10,682,000 for Medical Assistance – Obstetrics/Neonatal Services
- $13,889,000 for the Nurse-Family Partnership
“This state budget represents a significant investment for Black Maternal Health in our commonwealth. I remain deeply committed to ensuring all Pennsylvania moms have a healthy, safe, and joyful birth and postpartum period that is equitably funded and prioritized in our state budget,” said Mayes, D-Allegheny. “This budget makes critical investments in Black maternal health to address race-based maternal health disparities, newborn screenings, maternal and child health, the Nurse-Family Partnership and Medical Assistance – Obstetrics/Neonatal Services.”
"I am honored to continue serving as part of the Black Maternal Health Caucus that is delivering real results for families across the Commonwealth,” said Curry, D-Delaware. “While maternal health disparities, maternity care deserts, and barriers to quality care remain significant challenges, this year's budget continues our commitment to addressing them. By securing an additional $7.4 million—bringing our total investment in maternal and infant health programs to more than $38 million—we are strengthening care for mothers and babies and advancing policies that improve health outcomes across our state."
“I am grateful that this budget includes more than $38.5 million for maternal health initiatives that will benefit families across Pennsylvania, said Cephas, D-Phila. “This investment reflects our commitment to addressing longstanding disparities and ensuring Black families receive the care and support they deserve throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
“Funding for newborn screenings and maternal and child health programs will strengthen access to care and help give every child a healthier start in life. I want to thank Governor Josh Shapiro and my colleagues in the General Assembly for recognizing the importance of these investments and helping move this work forward.
“There is still more to do, and I remain focused on advancing solutions that make Pennsylvania a safer and healthier place for mothers, babies and families,” Cephas said.
More information about the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus can be found here: pahouse.com/bmh.
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CONTACT: Molly Peters
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: mpeters@pahouse.net
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