BOSTON — Sen. Liz Miranda shared a memorable moment from her past when a colleague questioned her focus on Black women while working on a major maternal health bill. Her response? “One, news flash, I’m Black. Two, there’s a crisis.”
Racial disparities in maternal health are alarming. In 2023, Black women faced maternal mortality rates about 3.5 times higher than white women, according to a report from the CDC released in February. Miranda stressed, “We pride ourselves on being a leader, yet too many Black women and families deal with these inequitable outcomes. It’s truly unacceptable.”
Advocates for birth centers and midwives argue these services can significantly enhance maternal health outcomes. However, Massachusetts’ lone birthing center faces closure due to low reimbursement rates, which also hinder the opening of new centers.
Those advocating for these centers are pushing for better funding and support on Beacon Hill. They’re requesting continued funding for the Perinatal Mental Health Trust Fund, which creates community-based support for new parents. There’s also a push for investments in midwifery training and education, aiming to diversify the workforce and improve health equity.
Currently, Massachusetts has just one Black community midwife among approximately 30 to 40 statewide. Nashira Baril, who plans to establish a Neighborhood Birth Center in Roxbury by 2027, highlighted the stark lack of access to quality education in this area.
Two important bills (S 784/H 5016) aim to ensure midwives receive equal pay to physicians for delivering similar services. These bills have made progress through committees in both the House and Senate, signaling growing support.
Rep. Marjorie Decker noted the significance of fair compensation. When midwives earn more, it opens doors for diversity, ensuring a wide range of caregivers who can meet the needs of a diverse population. She emphasized the “incredible momentum” around this issue in the State House.
Despite the push for funding, the House’s fiscal 2027 budget unveiled recently included no dedicated support for maternal health. House Speaker Ron Mariano acknowledged ongoing discussions about funding, and committee chairman Rep. Aaron Michelwitz indicated that they would consider the advocates’ requests for budget amendments.
In the face of these challenges, the dialogue continues to evolve around maternal health. Stakeholders are increasingly recognizing that fair compensation and access to culturally competent care are vital for improving outcomes for all families in Massachusetts.
By addressing these disparities directly, Massachusetts can move closer to achieving equitable maternal health for every woman.
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