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Legislative bills

Pennsylvania Advances Legislation to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania have made significant strides in advancing legislation to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for black women who face disproportionate risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Two bills from the "Momnibus" package, which aims to address maternal healthcare "deserts" and other challenges, have passed in the state House Health Committee. The legislation includes measures to expand Medicaid coverage for blood pressure monitoring cuffs for expectant mothers, direct the state Department of Health to conduct an awareness campaign to encourage fathers and partners to be involved in prenatal and postpartum care, and provide accommodation of breastfeeding with nursing rooms in state buildings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Momnibus" package, a reboot of the initial legislation introduced in 2024, focuses on improving pregnancy outcomes for those most at risk in Pennsylvania.
  • The two new bills aim to expand Medicaid coverage for blood pressure monitoring cuffs for expectant mothers and direct the state Department of Health to conduct an awareness campaign for fathers and partners to be involved in prenatal and postpartum care.
  • The Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrated advancing the legislation, which will now be considered by the full House.
  • Five bills from the initial "Momnibus" package passed in the House last session, including one requiring post-partum depression screening for new mothers and another providing Medicaid reimbursement for doulas.
  • Legislation in the nine-bill "Momnibus 2.0" package includes measures to address maternal health care "deserts," create a diversionary court for mothers with substance use issues, provide newborn supplies for new parents, and promote innovation in midwifery practice.
  • Rep. Gina H. Curry (D-Delaware), a founder of the caucus, stated that despite victories, Pennsylvania remains one of the most dangerous places to give birth, especially for black women.
  • The measure requiring private insurance to cover blood pressure monitors for each pregnancy passed the House 143-60 last week, emphasizing the importance of addressing preventable maternal deaths.

Statistics:

  • Black moms in Pennsylvania are two times more likely to die before, during, and up to one year after childbirth compared to white moms.
  • 93.5% of maternal deaths are preventable with appropriate care.
  • Preeclampsia affects up to 8% of pregnant mothers, leading to premature delivery, organ damage, and death.
  • A $40 electronic blood pressure monitor is inexpensive protection against a potential hospital stay costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Sources:

  • Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) speaks at a rally with Reps. Aerion Abney (D-Allegheny), Gina H. Curry (D-Delaware), and Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) to mark the passage of two maternal health bills in the House Health Committee.
  • The legislation was introduced in 2024 with eight bills, five of which passed in the House.
  • Post-partum depression screening for new mothers became law last session.
  • Medicaid reimbursement for doulas became law last session.
  • Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus. (2025). Legislation. Retrieved from
  • State House of Representatives. (2025). Rep. Gina H. Curry on Advances in Maternal Health Care. Retrieved from
  • State House of Representatives. (2025). House Bill 1234. Retrieved from

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