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Recap of “Maternal Health: Policy Implementation & Impact,” June 10 briefing at the State House
Recap of “Maternal Health: Policy Implementation & Impact,” June 10 briefing at the State House

It was standing room only for the Maternal Health: Policy Implementation & Impact briefing at the Massachusetts State House on June 10, 2025 co-hosted by Bay State Birth Coalition, Mind the Gap Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, and the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression.

The program celebrated the passage of the 2024 Midwifery and Maternal Health Omnibus Law, provided updates on the law’s implementation, and delved into the impact of the law on the health and well-being of birthing people and families in Massachusetts. The Bay State Birth Coalition and Mind the Gap Massachusetts presented Maternal Health Champion awards to State Senators and Representatives who played a key role in shaping and passing the law. The program featured speakers Senator Liz Miranda, Representative Marjorie Decker, Representative Brandy Fluker Reid, Dr. Elaine Fitzgerald Lewis, Stephanie Crawford, Steven Pascal, and midwives Dr. Jo-Anna Rorie, Rebecca Herman, and Katherine Rushfirth.

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BillEmily Anestanews
Governor Signs Comprehensive Midwifery and Maternal Health Bill
Governor Signs Comprehensive Midwifery and Maternal Health Bill

We did it!

On August 15, 2024, the Massachusetts Legislature passed the bill H.4999, An Act promoting access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options, a “Momnibus” package of legislation that expands access to midwifery care, birth centers, home births, and much more. After unanimous votes in the House (June 20) and the Senate (July 30), the conference committee combined the two versions into a final compromise bill that has now been passed. The bill was signed into law on August 23 with a ceremonial signing event on August 26 by Governor Maura Healey.

Massachusetts families can look forward to greater access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options at home or in birth centers.

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BillEmily Anestanews, bill
Action Alert: Time is running out to get the bill out of the Public Health Committee
Action Alert: Time is running out to get the bill out of the Public Health Committee

The bill is being delayed AGAIN! 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.

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Bill, LobbyingEmily Anesta