The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health convened on March 26, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding maternal health, particularly focusing on racial disparities that affect women of color. Dr. Ndidi Amaka Amatua Anugaka, the founder of the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice at Tufts University, presented compelling data highlighting the alarming rates of maternal mortality among Black women in the United States, who are dying at two to three times the rate of their white counterparts. In Massachusetts, the situation is equally concerning, with Black women experiencing nearly double the rate of severe maternal complications.

Dr. Anugaka emphasized the importance of effective implementation of the Massachusetts Maternal Health Omnibus Bill, passed in August 2024, which aims to address these disparities. She called for equitable reimbursement models for midwives and doulas, updated birth center regulations, and expanded maternal mental health services. These measures are crucial for ensuring that all birthing individuals receive comprehensive and culturally responsive care.

The meeting also highlighted the need for improved data collection on maternal health outcomes, particularly race-specific data, to better track and address disparities. Dr. Anugaka urged support for additional legislation, including House Bill 1456 and Senate Bill 1199, which would ensure access to a full spectrum of pregnancy-related care, including prenatal care, childbirth, miscarriage management, and postpartum care. She stressed that financial barriers should never prevent access to life-saving services.

The committee members expressed their commitment to advancing these initiatives, recognizing the ongoing work of the Department of Public Health in this area. As the meeting concluded, there was a shared sense of urgency to prioritize maternal health equity in Massachusetts, with hopes that the state can lead the nation in addressing these critical issues. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between health professionals, lawmakers, and community organizations to create meaningful change for families across the Commonwealth.