Community-driven initiative will improve maternal health in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 3, 2024) — Today, the Michigan Senate passed MI Momnibus, a comprehensive bill package — comprised of Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and House Bill 5826 — to improve equity and accountability in Michigan’s prenatal and maternal healthcare systems. Championed by Sens. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren), the legislation, which was passed with bipartisan support, aims to enhance existing community-driven programs and care solutions, while also amplifying the experiences of Black and Brown birthing people, ensuring that their needs are adequately addressed.
“Today marks a significant mile marker along the Momnibus route,” said Sen. Geiss. “Passing Senate Bills 818 through 823 and 825, along with House Bill 5826 today was a pivotal moment for maternal health in Michigan. This legislation paves the way for positive birthing experiences grounded in joy and love. By dismantling systemic barriers that disproportionately impact Black and Brown birthing people, the Michigan Momnibus brings us one step closer to achieving equity and justice in reproductive and obstetric care.”
Together, the following bills work to improve prenatal and perinatal health outcomes in Michigan through equitable data requirements, antidiscrimination measures, patient protections, and more:
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SB 818 (Sen. Geiss): Requires the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to include studies and reports on biased or unjust perinatal care on their website, including instances of obstetric violence or racism. The bill also codifies the use and duties of the Maternal Mortality Review Team.
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SB 819 (Sen. Geiss): Creates the Biased and Unjust Care Reporting Act and directs DHHS to create a tool for patients to self-report experiences of obstetric racism.
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SB 820 (Sen. Cavanagh): Requires hospitals to provide the Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) with evidence that they have policies in place to support patient protections and ensure that patients can bring their doula, spouse, or companion with them during labor.
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SB 821 (Sen. Cavanagh): Upon request from DHHS, the Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services will collect information on medical malpractice insurers’ policies related to perinatal care services.
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SB 822 (Sen. Anthony): Ensures pregnancy status does not affect the right for a designated patient advocate to make life-sustaining treatment decisions.
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SB 823 (Sen. Chang): Amends the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to make clear that “sex” includes but is not limited to pregnancy or lactation status.
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SB 825 (Sen. Anthony): Amends the Public Health Code to add licensed midwives and midwifery programs to the Michigan Essential Health Provider Repayment program.
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HB 5826 (Rep. Xiong): Establishes a Doula Scholarship Fund for individuals facing financial hardship and working to become a doula in medically underserved areas.
“For far too long, Black and Brown pregnant and birthing people have been negatively affected by a healthcare system that does not look out for them. Our Momnibus package, crafted by women of color for women of color, seeks to change that system, making maternal healthcare in Michigan more safe, equitable, and inclusive for the people it has historically disregarded,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “My bills work to improve transparency on medical malpractice insurance policies relating to perinatal care and require hospitals to implement patient protections. Together, our Momnibus legislation ensures that women of color can receive the care they need and deserve during their parenting journey, pre- and post-birth.”
“For too long, Black women have been ignored, harmed, and even killed by a medical system that was not designed with their needs in mind,” said Sen. Anthony. “I am proud to see the Michigan Senate taking an important step to empower Black mothers, who deserve high-quality, compassionate healthcare and medical support. It is well-known that our health and medical systems have long-standing racial disparities, particularly in maternal health. We deserve a healthcare system that keeps us safe and healthy. With the passing of this legislation, we are one step closer to creating a system that achieves that goal.”
“Black expectant mothers and other moms of color deserve a healthy pregnancy and birthing experience supported by a healthcare system that truly listens to them, addresses their needs, and ensures they get the care they need, when they need it,” said Sen. Chang. “I’m proud to be part of this important legislation with my Senate colleagues and am excited that we are one step closer to advancing equity and addressing discrimination in our healthcare system.”
“As a mother and policymaker, I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for passing these key bills to expand maternal care across Michigan, especially to underserved communities,” said Rep. Xiong. “Doulas are essential non-medical professionals who significantly improve health outcomes for expectant mothers and babies. My bill establishes a scholarship program for aspiring doulas, expanding their services to more women to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.”
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude that the full Senate has recognized the profound importance of birth equity by passing critical legislation from the Momnibus bill package,” said Cassy Jones-McBryde, Policy Director for the State of Birth Justice Coalition, Founder of the Michigan Chamber for Reproductive Justice. “This historic milestone is more than a legislative victory—it is a beacon of hope for countless families who deserve the dignity and joy of safe and equitable childbirth. It reflects the tireless efforts of our community, whose voices and stories have driven this progress forward. We collectively reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advancing equity and justice in maternal health, ensuring that every person in Michigan can experience the beauty of birth without fear or disparity.”
“The Michigan Momnibus is an essential legislative package highlighting human rights and dignity for all birthing families,” said Licensed Midwife Nicole White, Director of MI State of Birth Justice and Co-Founder of Birth Detroit. “These bills will support families across Michigan. The Michigan Momnibus aims to improve access to midwifery and human-centered care, focusing on equity and compassion. Every family deserves this support, and these bills are a direct response to the hopes and dreams of our communities.”
Senate Bills 818-823 and 825 and House Bill 5826 have now been sent to the House of Representatives for further deliberations.
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