LANSING, Mich. – Legislation is in the works that could lead Michigan to join 41 other states in licensing and reimbursing birth centers for their services. The focus of these bills is on addressing issues such as maternal and infant mortality, as well as improving access to medical care in light of increasing disparities in maternal health.
With plans to open a Black-led birth center later this year, BirthDetroit, a Detroit organization, is at the forefront of this movement. The policy director, Nicole White, highlighted the organization’s current efforts in assisting Black and brown mothers and pregnant women through an Easy Access Clinic established in 2020 during the pandemic. However, despite providing important services like ultrasounds, OB screenings, and lab tests, BirthDetroit currently does not receive reimbursement from Medicaid or insurance companies, relying instead on funding from donors, grants, and other sources.
The proposed legislation would not only require hospitals to implement patient protection policies but also include licensed midwives in the state’s essential health provider repayment program. It would mandate that private insurers reimburse licensed midwives for their services and establish an annual Black Maternal Health Week.
Statistics indicate that in the U.S., Black mothers are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white mothers. Nicole White emphasized the urgent need for Michigan to cover midwifery care under Medicaid, given the worsening health conditions faced by Black and brown mothers despite significant investments in maternal and infant health.
Moreover, efforts are underway to address implicit maternal bias through various initiatives, such as requiring training for all health care professionals and Health and Human Services employees on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These measures aim to eliminate disparities in health outcomes and enhance access to equitable care for all patients.
The Michigan Health and Hospital Association also recognizes the importance of implicit bias training for health care workers to ensure equitable access to care. The association emphasizes the significance of eliminating health disparities to advance the health of individuals and communities.
Pending in the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee, the maternal health equity legislation is backed by Democratic Senators Erika Geiss, Stephanie Chang, Sarah Anthony, Mary Cavanagh, and Sylvia Santana. Their collective efforts reflect a commitment to addressing critical issues in maternal health and promoting equitable access to quality care for all individuals.