On January 29, 2025, the Georgia House Legislature introduced House Bill 149, aimed at addressing significant gaps in maternity care across the state. The bill seeks to tackle the issue of limited access to obstetric services in rural areas, specifically targeting counties classified as "limited maternity care counties" and "maternity care deserts."

House Bill 149 defines a "limited maternity care county" as one with fewer than two hospitals or birth centers providing obstetric care or fewer than 60 obstetric providers per 10,000 births. In contrast, a "maternity care desert" is identified as a county lacking any hospital or birth center offering obstetric care or obstetric providers. The bill emphasizes the importance of postpartum care, which includes a range of healthcare services for women during the year following childbirth, miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death.

A key provision of the bill is the establishment of a three-year pilot program that will provide postpartum care through mobile health clinics in the identified counties. This initiative aims to enhance access to essential healthcare services for women in underserved areas. The program will include a series of mandated visits with obstetric providers, ensuring comprehensive care during the postpartum period.

The bill also outlines a reporting requirement, mandating the Department of Public Health to submit annual reports on the pilot program's implementation and effectiveness to key state officials, including the Governor and legislative leaders. These reports will culminate in a final assessment by June 30, 2026, which will include recommendations for potential statewide expansion and necessary changes to state law or policy.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it has sparked discussions among lawmakers and healthcare advocates. Supporters argue that the initiative is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes in rural Georgia, where access to care is often limited. However, some opposition has emerged, with concerns about funding and the feasibility of implementing mobile health clinics effectively.

The implications of House Bill 149 are significant, as it addresses a critical public health issue that affects many women and families in Georgia. Experts suggest that successful implementation could lead to improved maternal health outcomes and serve as a model for similar initiatives in other states facing comparable challenges. As the bill moves forward, its potential impact on healthcare access and maternal health in Georgia remains a focal point of discussion among stakeholders.