Bipartisan Efforts to Improve Maternal Health in Pennsylvania Making Progress
By State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh)
A sharp political divide currently exists in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that is stalling action on many important issues. However, that is not the case when it comes to advancing policies that improve maternal health in the Commonwealth.
I took the lead on this issue in 2018 when I authored a bipartisan law that established the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee, which analyzes all maternal deaths in the Commonwealth, identifies the causes, and develops strategies to decrease these tragedies.
Since then, the number of House members working on this issue has grown with the formation of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus (PBMHC) in 2023, of which I am the only Republican member. The mission of the PBMHC is to reverse the disturbing trend that Black women have the highest rates of maternal morbidity and mortality in the state, and those numbers continue to rise.
Last fall, legislation I supported was signed into law that improves access to maternal health and morbidity data for medical professionals and policymakers. I am proud to see that my efforts have spawned more interest, and I joined the PBMHC at the bill-signing ceremony.
This session, I have worked with my colleagues to advance a series of eight bills to improve maternal health outcomes. Several of those proposals are currently moving through the General Assembly. They include:
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House Bill 1608, which would require Medicaid to reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services.
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House Bill 2097, which would expand Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors for pregnant and postpartum enrollees.
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House Bill 2137, which would create a new state program that provides supply kits and connects new moms to additional support programs.
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House Bill 2138, which would require private insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors for home use as a pregnancy-related service for all Pennsylvania residents.
House Bill 1618 would provide private insurance coverage for doula services. By ensuring coverage, all soon-to-be mothers will be supported in the best way possible by a certified doula they otherwise would not be able to afford.
My wife and I used the services of two doulas during the recent birth of our son. They provided us with valuable information and guidance both during and after the pregnancy. For new mothers and families, doulas are especially helpful, and they can also identify any issues and offer preventative care advice.
Another recent legislative development that benefits Pennsylvania families was the inclusion in the 2023-24 state budget of a proposal to enhance the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which I championed in my family tax relief plan a year ago. About 200,000 families across the Commonwealth started realizing these savings in tax year 2023.
My Pennsylvania Family Tax Relief Plan also includes other proposals that would cut state taxes on children’s books, toys, cribs, and strollers, all to help those struggling to make ends meet during the current inflationary times.
In the coming weeks, I will continue to work in a bipartisan way on advancing legislation relating to the health and welfare of Pennsylvania’s new mothers. I will also work to build support in the General Assembly for the doula bills and other measures included to improve maternal health care.
This bipartisan approach to addressing the maternal health crisis has already resulted in several important legislative wins. I am now focused on building upon that track record of success to ensure better health outcomes for the Commonwealth’s new mothers and their children.
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
187th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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