Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Maternal Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resolution urges coordinated statewide review of maternal mortality; advocates press for public‑health emergency approach
Summary
The committee advanced a resolution urging LDH and the Louisiana Center for Health Equity to coordinate a review of maternal and pregnancy‑associated mortality, expand reporting and prioritize evidence‑based interventions. Witnesses said Louisiana’s maternal mortality rate is more than double the national average and many pregnancy‑related deaths are preventable; LDH said it already coordinates several initiatives and will work with partners.
House Concurrent Resolution 110 asks the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana Center for Health Equity and other stakeholders to review maternal mortality and pregnancy‑associated mortality in the state, evaluate access barriers, and provide recommendations to improve outcomes and strengthen accountability.
Alma Stewart Allen of the Louisiana Center for Health Equity told the committee that Louisiana’s maternal mortality rate is more than double the national average and that the Pregnancy‑Associated Mortality Review found that a large share of deaths are preventable. She urged a coordinated statewide framework — including Medicaid and hospital oversight, expanded postpartum care, maternal mental‑health screening, transportation, doulas, telehealth and workforce investments — and referenced other states’ public‑health emergency declarations as a model to mobilize resources and accountability.
LDH staff said the department already runs multiple maternal‑health initiatives, including the PAMR process, the Perinatal Quality Collaborative and a maternal health innovation award program; the bureau confirmed public input opportunities and a planned maternal health symposium in August. Committee members who serve on perinatal efforts described existing work and suggested folding the resolution into current coordination mechanisms to avoid duplicative structures. The resolution was presented to the committee and proponents urged its favorable report so the state can better coordinate and track maternal‑health investments and outcomes.
