Policy

Why this matters

Black women face unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality. Black mothers across the U.S. (including here in California) are more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications as white women, and this holds true across incomes and education levels. While all women giving birth in the U.S. face poorer health outcomes than people in similarly developed nations, Black women and infants persistently experience the worst morbidity and mortality rates. This is unconscionable, and complex. Previously, BWWAP passed a bill to require hospital staff to be trained on implicit bias– one obstacle Black women commonly face when accessing health care– but pregnant women need a full range of services to support them throughout pregnancy, during delivery, and after giving birth.

What our bill does

We have put together a comprehensive legislative packet aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity as well as expanding and redefining maternal healthcare in California. The package includes:

• Expanding full spectrum doula coverage in MediCal
• Extending Postpartum coverage in Medi-Cal
• Codifying and expanding California’s Maternal Mortality Review Board
• Updating Fetal and Infant Maternal Investigation
• Expanding access to midwifery programs
• Universal Income for low and middle-income pregnant people
• Updating data collection on mortality and morbity experienced in Lesbian, Trans and Gender Non-Confirming communties
• Reviewing climate impact on birthing outcomes
• Requiring recommendations to close racial disparity gaps

Legislative Victory

We are thrilled to share that this bill was signed into law on October 4, 2021. Much of the funds needed to implement our proposed policy changes were also included in the California state budget signed by Governor Newsom in July 2021. This is a historic step forward in the fight for reproductive justice, and we thank the Governor, Senator Skinner and her staff, and the many advocates and community partners who worked hard alongside BWWAP to make this happen. We look forward to continuing to build on this success.

Right after the bill was signed, our team went to work reaching out to and educating folks who might benefit. We are spending the last months of 2021 knocking doors and calling women and families to make sure they know about the new law. Find out more about Momnibus benefits and our outreach campaign.

You can learn more about this by watching the Governor’s virtual bill signing ceremony (featuring BWWAP’s Executive Director, Nourbese Flint!), reading our Op-Ed in CalMatters, and in our press release.

Why it matters

California’s foster youth and nonminor dependents experience disproportionately high rates of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and poor access to prenatal care. This burden falls heavily on Black youth, who are overrepresented in our state’s foster system by 3.1x their share of the general population. This is a complex and intersectional issue, but there are some immediate ways we can support these youth. Providing financial support to expectant parents is shown to reduce negative maternal and child health outcomes of stillbirth, miscarriage, low birth weight, and complicated pregnancy.

What our bill does

AB 366 improves upon existing law in three ways: it extends expectant foster youth’s infant supplement payments by three months to cover the final term of pregnancy; it ensures foster youth have access to comprehensive sexual health education, rights, and services; and it creates transparency through additional data reporting.

Why this matters

For the past three decades, the rates of sexually transmitted disease (STDs) have continued to climb in California. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are becoming more prevalent and can have long-term health effects if left untreated.  Syphilis has risen at an especially alarming rate (nearly 900% between 2012-2018!) and can cause serious harm to adults and to newborns during childbirth. Young adults and Black people face disproportionately high rates of infection, and addressing this requires removing barriers to testing and treatment.

What our bill does

SB 306 helps to addresses the STD epidemic and improve health outcomes by reducing barriers to STD services and treatment by:

• Expanding access to STD services and treatment for low-income and uninsured patients through the Family PACT program and provider network
• Increasing prevention through innovative strategies like home testing + expansion of health professionals that conduct rapid testing in the community
• Revising current law to support the delivery and increased utilization of Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT). This evidence-based and effective STD prevention practice provides patients who test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea with take-home medication or perscriptions for their sex partners.
• Updating state law to require congenital syphilis testing during the third trimester of pregnancy

Why this matters

Abortion is a safe, legal health procedure that many women will choose at some point in life. California is one of only six states which require insurance plans to cover this care, but unfortunately many birthing people still face high cost-sharing burdens. Eliminating financial barriers is critical to ensuring that all birthing people, regardless of income, can access the care they need in a timely manner.

What our bill does

SB 245 removes co-payments and deductibles, and others costs charged to patients seeking abortions with private insurance.

Why this matters

Not being able to afford or access menstrual products can result in the loss of educational, employment, and other opportunities. California is the world’s fifth largest economy, and it is time that we join the international movement that is demanding equality for women and menstruating people.

What our bill does

AB 367 would require public schools that maintain any combination of classes from grades 6 to 12, California State Universities and Community Colleges, and public institutions to stock at least 50% of restrooms with free menstrual products at all times.