The California Assembly Health Committee convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss critical health legislation, notably Senate Bill 32, which aims to address the state's maternal health crisis by establishing enforceable time and distance standards for access to perinatal units.

During the meeting, Senator Weber presented SB 32, highlighting the alarming trend of maternity care deserts in California. Over the past decade, more than 50 hospitals have closed or suspended labor and delivery services, forcing expectant mothers to travel long distances—sometimes over an hour or 100 miles—to access necessary care. This lack of timely access significantly increases risks for premature births, untreated hypertension, and maternal deaths, particularly affecting rural and minority communities.

Senator Weber emphasized that while SB 32 does not directly resolve the financial issues leading to maternity ward closures, it encourages health plans to engage proactively in sustaining labor and delivery services. The bill mandates that health plans must establish clear standards for access to perinatal units, promoting accountability and innovation in maintaining health networks.

Support for the bill came from various stakeholders, including Dr. Patrice Trowbridge of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Vanessa Gonzales from the California Hospital Association. Both underscored the necessity of immediate access to labor and delivery units, arguing that the absence of such facilities poses life-threatening risks during childbirth.

The committee also addressed procedural matters, including the removal of SB 68 from the agenda and the approval of several items on the consent calendar, which included motions for due pass on other bills.

In conclusion, SB 32 represents a significant step toward improving maternal health care access in California. The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the urgent need to address gaps in maternity care and ensure that all expectant mothers receive timely and safe medical attention. The next steps will involve further deliberation and voting on the proposed legislation.