Bill would require state maternal death reviews to ensure regular reporting, backers say

Representative Agbaje presented House File 1105, as amended, which would require the commissioner of health to conduct maternal death studies, to the Health Finance and Policy Committee on March 12.

Proponents said consistent maternal mortality review work produces higher-quality case narratives and actionable recommendations. Jennifer Almanza, a midwife and obstetric nurse leader who co-chairs the state Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC), told the committee the MMRC has improved Minnesota’s data systems over the last six years, published two reports and will release a five-year aggregate report. Almanza asked the committee to change the bill language from “may” to “must” to protect ongoing MMRC work and momentum.

Representative Agbaje and others cited disparities in maternal mortality: data from 2017–2019 show Black mothers were 2.3 times and Native American mothers about four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers, and roughly 40% of deaths occurred in rural Minnesota. Lawmakers discussed timing and cadence of reporting; the author said the amendment would create a set timeline for reporting and the Senate has a companion provision that would make reporting annual.

Public testimony was limited to proponent experts and no public opposition was recorded. The committee laid HF1105, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill; Representative Bierman moved and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment during the hearing.

Why it matters: Advocates said regular, mandated maternal death review reporting helps identify trends and disparities and supports recommendations such as extending postpartum Medicaid coverage and expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder.

Next steps: The author will work with Senate counterparts on timing and the bill was laid over for possible omnibus inclusion.