Implicit Bias Training for Maternal Health Care Workers Required in Illinois

Strategic Insights -

State Senator Willie Preston's push for addressing maternal mortality rates in Illinois has led to the passage of House Bill 2517, a new law that mandates implicit bias training for healthcare workers. The law aims to address the stark health disparities faced by Black women in Illinois, who are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. The training, which will be at least one hour long, will educate healthcare workers on the risks facing marginalized communities, including Black and Indigenous women, and provide information on effective medical care plans and programs to decrease maternal mortality rates.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new law, House Bill 2517, was led by State Senator Willie Preston and aims to address maternal mortality rates and implicit bias in healthcare.
  • Black women in Illinois are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
  • The implicit bias training required by the law must be at least one hour long and cover risks facing Black and Indigenous women, and other marginalized communities.
  • The training will also cover information on medical care plans and programs that have been shown to decrease maternal mortality rates.
  • Senator Preston emphasized the importance of the law in protecting human rights and supporting the future of mothers from all communities.
  • The law goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Statistics:

  • Black women in Illinois are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. [1]
  • Maternal mortality rates in Illinois are a significant concern, with a higher mortality rate for Black women compared to other racial and ethnic groups. [2]
  • The law requires healthcare workers to complete at least one hour of implicit bias training to address the health disparities faced by marginalized communities. [3]
  • The training will provide information on medical care plans and programs that have been demonstrated to successfully decrease maternal mortality rates and complications. [Source: State Senator Willie Preston]

Sources:

  • State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) [Source: Illinois Senate Democrats]
  • Illinois Senate Democrats [Source: Illinois Senate Democrats]
  • House Bill 2517 [Source: Illinois State Legislature]
  • The Guttmacher Institute [2]
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) [3]