The Connecticut State Legislature introduced House Bill 7214 on April 14, 2025, aimed at enhancing maternity care across the state. This bill mandates the establishment of an annual maternity care report card for licensed birth centers and hospitals that provide obstetric services. The report card will evaluate the quality of maternity care based on a variety of metrics, including quantitative data, patient-reported experiences, and an equity score reflecting disparities in care based on race, ethnicity, and income level.

Key provisions of the bill require the Commissioner of Public Health to collect necessary data and post the report card on the Department of Public Health's website by January 1, 2027, with annual updates thereafter. The report card will also adjust scores based on the acuity level of patients served, ensuring fair comparisons among facilities. An advisory committee will be formed to establish grading methodologies and conduct critical analyses of the report card data, providing recommendations for improving maternal health outcomes.

In addition to the report card, the bill proposes the formation of another advisory committee to study the benefits and challenges of making hospitals more doula-friendly. This committee will include a diverse group of stakeholders, including hospital administrators, practicing doulas, maternal health advocates, and policy experts, to develop legislative recommendations aimed at integrating doulas into hospital settings.

The introduction of House Bill 7214 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and health advocates regarding its potential impact on maternal health in Connecticut. Proponents argue that the report card will promote transparency and accountability in maternity care, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for mothers and infants. Critics, however, express concerns about the feasibility of implementing the report card and the potential burden it may place on healthcare facilities.

The bill's implications extend beyond healthcare, touching on social equity and access to quality care. By focusing on disparities in maternal health outcomes, House Bill 7214 aims to address systemic issues that have long affected marginalized communities. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its outcomes could set a precedent for similar initiatives in other states, potentially reshaping the landscape of maternity care in the United States.

Overall, House Bill 7214 represents a significant step toward improving maternal health care in Connecticut, with the potential for far-reaching effects on both policy and practice in the field. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments as the bill moves through the legislative process.