Massachusetts lawmakers have approved a wide-ranging maternal health bill designed to improve access to quality care for mothers and families across the state. The legislation, known as H 4999, emerged from negotiations on Wednesday and quickly gained approval in both the House and Senate during informal sessions on Thursday. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Maura Healey.
The bill, which has been hailed as a significant step forward for maternal and mental health care, creates new pathways for licensure for certified professional midwives and lactation consultants. It also removes existing barriers to opening birth centers, enhances resources for addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and mandates MassHealth coverage for doula services for pregnant individuals and new parents for up to 12 months postpartum.
Senator Liz Miranda, who played a key role in sponsoring the legislation, expressed her gratitude for the bill’s passage. “It’s with immense gratitude that we get to actually revel in this moment of progress, celebrating this monumental commitment to improving the quality of life, maternal and mental health care for our most at-risk constituents,” Miranda said.