During the West Virginia Senate Finance Committee meeting on March 19, 2025, significant progress was made on two key pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing healthcare support for expectant mothers.

The committee first addressed Senate Bill 35, which was successfully moved forward with a recommendation for passage to the full Senate. This bill's specifics were not detailed in the transcript, but its advancement indicates a consensus among committee members on its importance.

The spotlight then shifted to Senate Bill 292, which proposes to include doula services under Medicaid and the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). Currently, neither program covers these services, which are provided by trained non-medical professionals who offer physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy. The bill aims to cover doula services from conception through 365 days post-delivery, with an estimated cost of $311,000 for PEIA.

Support for Senate Bill 292 was notably strong among committee members. A senior senator highlighted feedback from constituents indicating that doula support can lead to improved pregnancy outcomes, benefiting both mothers and infants. The senator emphasized that additional support during pregnancy, such as transportation to medical appointments and assistance with scheduling, can significantly enhance health outcomes. This aligns with findings from other states where similar measures have been implemented.

Following discussions, the committee voted to recommend Senate Bill 292 for passage to the full Senate, reflecting a growing recognition of the value of doula services in maternal healthcare.

As the committee continues its work, the successful advancement of these bills signals a commitment to improving healthcare access and support for families in West Virginia. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential votes in the full Senate, where the implications of these legislative efforts will be closely watched by constituents and healthcare advocates alike.