Action Alert: Time is running out to get the bill out of the Public Health Committee
We need everyone to make calls, send e-mails to move the bill forward this session.
UPDATE: The Joint Committee on Public Health has delayed the bill again! Tell Rep. Kate Hogan to #PassTheBillAlready for maternity care integration in Massachusetts. We need midwives. It's a matter of life and death.
We need everyone's help today! If the Public Health Committee does not act on this bill soon we won't have another chance to pass it until 2020. We cannot do this without you.
Use our easy tool to e-mail your state legislators. (Takes 1 minute.)
Or, keep reading for details on how to MAKE 2 CALLS NOW for safe and accessible maternity care options in Massachusetts
Already contacted your legislators?
Even if you have reached out to your legislator before, this is a great time to reach out again. Let them know you care about maternity care access and safety in Massachusetts, and ask them to urge the Public Health Committee to report the bill out favorably as soon as possible.
Who are my state legislators?
Go to wheredoivotema.com and enter your address. Scroll down to "State Representative" and "State Senator" and click on their name for e-mail and phone info.
What do I say?
By phone: MAKE 2 CALLS THIS WEEK
1. Tell the person who answers that you are a constituent, and ask to speak to a staff member about a bill you care about. Give your NAME and ADDRESS.
2. "As a constituent of [Representative/Senator _______], I support the bill 'An Act Relative to Out-of-Hospital Birth Access and Safety' which is currently in the Public Health Committee.
For Representatives: "I would like to request that the Representative personally urge Chairwoman Hogan to pass the bill HB1189 out favorably as soon as possible."
For Senators: "I would like to request that the Senator personally urge Chairman Lewis to bring the bill SB1206 out of study as soon as possible."
3. Feel free to add your personal anecdote or reasons for supporting the bill. Some talking points you can use:
Integrating midwives into the health care system leads to fewer c-sections, fewer preemies, more breastfeeding and thriving babies.
- 33 other states (including Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island) already recognize and integrate certified professional midwives.
- This bill improves the safety of home birth, promotes public health, and increases access to maternity care.
By e-mail:
Use our automated system to send an e-mail right away, or send a personal e-mail including the following information:
- Your name and address
- The bill name and number (HB1189/SB1206 "An Act Relative to Out-of-Hospital Birth Access and Safety")
- That you SUPPORT the bill and you would like the Representative or Senator to urge the Public Health Committee to report the bill out favorably as soon as possible.
- Feel free to add your personal anecdote or reasons for supporting the bill. Attach a photo of your baby or your family!
Your calls and e-mails really make a difference! Thank you for taking action in support of public health and access to care.