Connecticut advocates support House Bill 7214 to improve maternal health care

A powerful call for change in maternal health took center stage at the recent Public Health Committee hearing in Connecticut, where advocates rallied in support of House Bill 7214. This legislation aims to address the alarming disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly for black and brown communities in the state.

Testifying on behalf of CT 359, a coalition of over 80 organizations dedicated to the well-being of Connecticut's children and families, a representative highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms. The statistics are stark: between February 2018 and February 2020, non-Hispanic black parents in Connecticut faced severe maternal mortality rates more than double that of their non-Hispanic white counterparts. Alarmingly, nearly 90% of pregnancy-related deaths in the state are deemed preventable.

The testimony underscored the troubling reality that 30% of black, Hispanic, and multiracial mothers reported experiencing mistreatment during pregnancy and childbirth, including being ignored by healthcare providers. This systemic issue calls for immediate action, and House Bill 7214 proposes several key measures to improve maternal health care.

One significant provision of the bill is the establishment of a report card system for hospitals, aimed at holding institutions accountable for the quality of care they provide. This initiative would help identify gaps in care and promote equitable treatment for all birthing individuals. Additionally, the bill seeks to create an advisory committee to encourage doula-friendly practices in hospitals, recognizing the positive impact that trained doulas can have on reducing surgical interventions.

Finally, the proposed establishment of a task force to study perinatal mental health care is seen as a necessary step toward addressing the mental health needs of new parents, a topic that has long been overlooked.

As Connecticut grapples with a maternal health crisis, advocates stress that House Bill 7214 represents a crucial first step toward ensuring safer and more equitable care for all mothers and their babies. The call for action is clear: systemic change is not just needed; it is overdue.