As your constituent, I want to share my strong support for House budget amendments 1014, 1029, 1049, 1457, and 1573 for birth centers and maternal health. I hope to see all of these budget proposals adopted to ensure that the opportunities created by the 2024 Midwifery and Maternal Health Law reach every community.
I am grateful for the progress being made to improve access to midwives, birth centers, postpartum home visits, and mental health support in Massachusetts. Please make sure these programs and opportunities are funded so that families in our community and across the Commonwealth receive the benefits!
- Amendment #1014, Neighborhood Birth Center, filed by Rep. Chris Worrell, provides funding to support a new birth center in Eastern Massachusetts.
- Amendment #1029, Worcester Community Midwifery, filed by Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, provides funding to build a new birth center in Central Massachusetts.
- Amendment #1457, Seven Sisters Midwifery and Birth Center, filed by Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, provides funding to sustain the state’s only birth center currently operating, in Northampton, serving Western Massachusetts.
- Amendment #1049, Perinatal Mental Health Trust Fund, filed by Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid, funds the Moms Matter Act programs for community based mental health support.
- Amendment #1573, Implementation of the Maternal Health Law, filed by Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, provides funding for new Department of Public Health programs created by the new maternal health law, including universal postpartum home visiting, pregnancy loss awareness, and midwifery integration.
Since 2010, our state has experienced a doubling of the rate of life-threatening pregnancy complications, growing racial inequities, and 11 maternity center closures. These budget proposals will improve maternal and reproductive health care and access at every level to reverse these trends.
Birth center midwifery care has markedly better outcomes, better experiences for families, and saves the health system millions of dollars. Last year’s maternal health law updated state regulations and midwife licensing to make it easier to open and staff birth centers. Worcester Community Midwifery and Neighborhood Birth Center will bring new options for pregnancy and birth care that will serve Central and Eastern Massachusetts. Seven Sisters has provided care to individuals and families in Western Massachusetts since 2020. Every community needs birth centers!
Please cosponsor amendments 1014, 1029, 1049, 1457, and 1573 and share your support personally with Chair Michlewitz and Speaker Mariano.
Thank you for prioritizing maternal and reproductive health!
