U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) along with several House Representatives introduced the Mamas First Act, aimed at combating the U.S. maternal mortality crisis. The legislation proposes expanding Medicaid coverage to include doula and midwifery care. This expansion is intended to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by providing comprehensive support during and after pregnancy, especially in under-served communities.
The bill amends the Social Security Act to allow reimbursement for doulas, midwives, and tribal midwives under Medicaid. Proponents argue that such professionals can decrease the likelihood of birth complications, reduce C-section rates, lessen maternal anxiety, and enhance communication between healthcare providers and pregnant women. The move also targets the elimination of health disparities and the improvement of culturally competent, patient-centered care.
The introduction of this legislation follows a growing recognition of the high maternal mortality rates in the U.S., which have doubled from 1999 to 2019, contrasting with declines in similar nations. Particularly, Black and Native mothers experience maternal mortality rates two to three times higher than those of white mothers. Additionally, maternity care deserts affect nearly 7 million women and 500,000 births across the country, highlighting a critical need for increased access to maternity health care providers.
