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Governor signs omnibus maternal‑health law expanding midwifery, doulas and perinatal mental‑health supports
Summary
At a bill‑signing event at the Office of the Governor, state leaders signed Bill H4999 into law, creating statewide recognition and coverage for midwifery and birth centers, expanding doula and perinatal mental‑health services, and directing work to reduce racial disparities in maternal outcomes.
Governor and legislative leaders gathered at the Office of the Governor for a ceremonial signing of an omnibus maternal‑health measure, Bill H4999, intended to expand access to midwifery care, freestanding birth centers, doulas and perinatal mental‑health services across Massachusetts.
Supporters framed the law as a concrete step to address long‑standing racial and income disparities in maternal outcomes. Rep. Marjorie Decker, who helped lead the legislative process, credited the Special Legislative Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health and a broad coalition of advocates and providers for shaping the measure. Decker said the bill "will make it safer, will make it more equitable" and "enable more families to benefit from the outstanding care provided by midwives and doulas in our state." (Speakers: Rep. Marjorie Decker; S3 introduction.)
Sen. Cindy Friedman,…
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