Illinois Legislation Aims to Enhance Maternal Care for Black Women
- Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a law in Illinois mandating that insurance companies cover care provided by doulas, lactation consultants, and midwives for pregnancy, post-partum, and newborn care for a year.
- This legislation aims to improve access to maternal and newborn care, promoting health equity.
- The move reflects a growing recognition of the importance of comprehensive support during early parenthood.
CHICAGO (CBS) – In a significant move to address disparities in maternal health, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed new legislation aimed at improving post-partum care for women, particularly focusing on the alarming rates of pregnancy-related deaths among Black mothers. The law mandates that insurance companies provide coverage for a comprehensive range of services, including those offered by doulas, lactation consultants, and midwives, for a full year following childbirth. The legislation encompasses various forms of care, such as home births and home visits, ensuring that new mothers receive the necessary support before and after labor. Additionally, the law allocates funds for grant programs designed to identify and address barriers to accessing maternal care. Governor Pritzker emphasized the urgency of these changes, highlighting that Black women are three times more likely to experience fatal complications during pregnancy compared to their White counterparts. "This is appalling and unacceptable," Pritzker stated, underscoring the state's commitment to preventing needless deaths related to pregnancy. The new law is part of a broader initiative to ensure equitable healthcare access for all women in Illinois, particularly those from marginalized communities. The provisions of the law are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, marking a pivotal step towards improving maternal health outcomes and fostering a more inclusive healthcare system in the state.