The Assembly Health Committee of the California State Assembly convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding maternal healthcare in the state. The meeting highlighted the importance of addressing the recent closures of maternity wards and labor delivery services, which have raised concerns about access to maternal care, particularly in rural and suburban areas.

Several representatives from medical organizations expressed their support for the proposed legislation, including Ryan Spencer from the California Medical Association, Tim Madden from the American College of Emergency Physicians, and Karen Stout from the California Nurse Midwives Association. Their testimonies underscored the necessity of improving maternal healthcare services to ensure better outcomes for mothers and infants.

Assemblymember Patel emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the decline in maternal care services affects various regions across California. He acknowledged the hard work of those advocating for improved healthcare access and indicated his intention to support the bill.

The committee also heard from Darby Kernan, representing the Local Health Plans of California, who voiced opposition to the bill. Despite this, the overall sentiment among committee members leaned towards addressing the pressing need for enhanced maternal healthcare.

The discussion concluded with a call for a vote on Senate Bill 32, which aims to tackle the challenges facing maternal healthcare in California. The committee plans to reconvene for a full vote on the bill in the near future, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that all Californians have access to essential maternal health services.