The Urban Affairs Committee of the Georgia State Legislature convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health services across the state. A significant proposal emerged during the meeting: a bill to secure Medicaid reimbursement for doulas, which would enhance support for families during pregnancy and childbirth.

Committee members expressed a desire to model this new legislation after previous successful bills, such as House Bill 211 from 2021 and House Bill 556 from 2023. These bills focused on pregnancy protection, allowing families to maintain their workforce participation while expecting. The proposed doula reimbursement bill aims to further support this initiative by providing families with additional resources during a critical time.

In addition to the doula reimbursement, the committee discussed the establishment of a child care trust fund specifically for children aged 0 to 4. This fund would address the growing need for accessible child care services, which is essential for working families.

The meeting also highlighted the need for a multi-tiered cardiometabolic unit and the deployment of telecardiology services throughout Georgia. These advancements are expected to improve health outcomes for residents, particularly in underserved areas.

Further discussions included the expansion of a pilot program that covers child care workers, ongoing efforts to address paid leave, and the integration of midwives, doulas, and lactation consultants into hospital settings. These initiatives aim to bolster the perinatal workforce and enhance maternal health care.

The meeting concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy for maternal health, especially in light of the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision. Stakeholders from various organizations, including the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute and the American College of Nurse Midwives, were acknowledged for their contributions to the ongoing efforts for justice in maternal health.

As these proposals move forward, they hold the potential to significantly impact the lives of families across Georgia, ensuring better support during pregnancy and early childhood. The committee's commitment to these initiatives reflects a broader goal of improving health equity and access to essential services for all residents.