Overview:
- The Michigan Senate has passed the MI Momnibus bill package to tackle racial disparities in maternal healthcare, especially for Black and Brown birthing individuals.
- The legislation, including Senate Bills 818-823, 825, and House Bill 5826, enhances community-driven programs and boosts accountability by addressing systemic racism, improving patient protections, and expanding access to midwives and doulas.
-The Momnibus package underscores the stark disparities in maternal health outcomes, with Black women facing significantly higher pregnancy-related mortality rates than white women.
The Michigan Senate has approved the MI Momnibus bill package, a sweeping set of measures aimed at addressing disparities in maternal healthcare, particularly among Black and brown mothers.
The bipartisan legislation, which includes Senate Bills 818-823, 825, and House Bill 5826, is part of a broader effort to combat racial inequities in healthcare and improve maternal health outcomes statewide.
The Momnibus package was spearheaded by Michigan Senate Democrats, including Senators Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Representative Mai Xiong (D-Warren).
It builds on existing community-driven programs and enhances accountability in maternal healthcare by addressing systemic racism, improving patient protections, and expanding access to midwives and doulas.
The legislation reflects a growing recognition of stark disparities in maternal health outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are significantly more likely to experience pregnancy-related mortality than their white counterparts.
In Detroit alone, the 2022 infant mortality rate for Black babies was 16.5 per 1,000 live births, compared to significantly lower rates for white infants.
“We must uplift that our bodies still belong to us, especially at this pivotal time when reproductive justice, rights, and freedom are under assault,” said Sen. Geiss.
Key provisions
The Momnibus package includes several measures designed to address these inequities:
- Equity in Care: SB 818 mandates reporting on instances of obstetric violence and racism, while SB 819 creates tools for patients to report biased care.
- Patient Protections: SB 820 and SB 821 require hospitals and insurers to provide transparency regarding policies affecting perinatal care.
- Cultural Competence: SB 825 integrates licensed midwives into the Michigan Essential Health Provider Repayment Program, and HB 5826 establishes a Doula Scholarship Fund for underserved areas.
- Expanded Rights: SB 822 ensures pregnancy status does not impact life-sustaining treatment decisions, and SB 823 amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to explicitly include pregnancy and lactation protections.
Momnibus lauded as a ‘beacon of hope’
Community advocates have voiced strong support for the initiative. Cassy Jones-McBryde of the State of Birth Justice Coalition described the legislation as a “beacon of hope” for families seeking equitable care.
Nicole White, Director of MI State of Birth Justice, emphasized the importance of integrating midwifery and doula care into healthcare systems to improve outcomes for marginalized populations.
The passage of the Momnibus package coincides with broader initiatives to address maternal health disparities nationally. Earlier this year, Sen. Geiss introduced Senate Resolution 107, which declared April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week in Michigan.
“Black mothers face an uphill battle every day, often facing unique challenges brought on by systems that weren’t designed for them,” Sen. Anthony said. “This legislation is a critical step in empowering Black mothers and ensuring their dignity and autonomy are respected.”
The bills now advance to the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration.
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