LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 16, 2024) — Today, Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) joined Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) and other maternal health practitioners and advocates to testify before the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services in support of the Momnibus bill package, comprising of Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and House Bill 5826. Each of these bills received a vote and were successfully voted on and passed out of the committee with recommendation they will pass the full Senate chamber. This comprehensive bill package, sponsored by Sen. Geiss, Sens. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Rep. Xiong, aims to enhance existing community-driven programs and care solutions, while also improving prenatal and maternal healthcare. Its focus is on amplifying the voices of Black and Brown birthing people, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and addressed.
“I am thrilled that these vital bills have successfully passed through committee, marking a significant step toward becoming law,” said Sen. Geiss. “It’s unacceptable that Black women and birthing people are still three times more likely to die during childbirth compared to their white counterparts, and it’s urgent that we address the ongoing attacks on reproductive rights. Black women deserve the fundamental human right of reproductive justice now so that all can have positive prenatal, birth and post-partum experiences rooted in joy and love with reduced trauma.”
The following bills passed the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services today:
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SB 818 (GEISS): Requires the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to include studies and reports on biased or unjust perinatal care, including but not limited to instances of obstetric violence or racism on their website. The bill also codifies the use and duties of the Maternal Mortality Review Team.
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SB 819 (GEISS): Creates the Biased and Unjust Care Reporting Act and directs the Michigan Dept. of Civil Rights (MDCR) to create a tool for patients to self-report experiences of obstetric racism.
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SB 820 (CAVANAGH): Requires hospitals to provide the Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs information that they have a policy in place to support patient protection and ensure that a patient can bring their doula, spouse or companion with them during labor.
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SB 821(CAVANAGH): Upon request from DHHS, the Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services will collect information on malpractice insurers’ policies related to perinatal care services.
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SB 822 (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 (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 (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 (XIONG): Establishes a Doula Scholarship Fund for individuals working to become a doula in medically underserved areas
“Women of color are disproportionately impacted by adverse maternal health outcomes due to systemic racism, disinvestment, and disregard — we deserve and demand so much better,” said Sen Cavanagh. “This is a bill package crafted by women of color for women of color. Our Momnibus legislation protects the fundamental right to reproductive justice while also working to mitigate the longstanding inequitable health disparities among women of color. As the sponsor of Senate Bills 820 and 821, I’m thrilled to see this critical bill package move further through the legislative process.”
“My legislation ensures that everyone’s decisions about life-sustaining treatments are honored and respected, regardless of their pregnancy status. It empowers individuals and ensures their healthcare preferences are upheld during critical moments in their lives,” said Sen. Anthony. “By including midwives in the state’s student loan repayment program, we are also building a stronger, more inclusive network of care for expectant mothers. This step is especially important for addressing the racial disparities that have long impacted Black maternal health, helping us move toward more equitable treatment and better outcomes for all mothers in Michigan.”
“I am thrilled to be part of the Momnibus bill package and glad it has taken a step forward in the legislative process,” said Sen. Chang. “Black expectant mothers and other mothers of color face numerous barriers during their pregnancy resulting in disproportionate health outcomes for them and their babies. This legislation will help eliminate and track these obstacles and move us forward toward healthy pregnancies and births, regardless of race.”
“Excited to see these bills on providing mothers with the healthcare and human decency they and their babies deserve during one of the most vulnerable yet special times in a woman’s life move out of committee,” said Sen. Santana. “I am excited that we are taking steps to better support Michigan mothers and their babies.”
“I am thrilled that we had the Momnibus hearing today, making us one step closer to seeing improved birthing outcomes in this state. This critical legislation represents a turning point for maternal health, addressing systemic barriers in receiving equitable care. Today’s hearing marks an important step toward protecting the health and well-being of mothers and families across Michigan,” said Cassy Jones-McBryde, Policy Director for the State of Birth Justice Coalition, Founder of the Michigan Chamber for Reproductive Justice.
“The Michigan Momnibus package was designed in response to our communities’ hopes, dreams, and needs. It will expand access to midwifery care and honor and affirm the dignity and human rights of all birthing families in every birth setting, home birth, birth center, and hospital. These bills center on love and equity, and all families deserve that,” said Licensed Midwife Nicole White, Director of MI State of Birth Justice and Co-Founder of Birth Detroit.