BY JESSIE BRUNELLE, MMS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ADVISOR
Massachusetts has long been recognized as a leader in health care and home to some of the world’s best hospitals and physicians. This reputation extends to maternal health, where Massachusetts lawmakers have made significant progress in the effort to address longstanding inequities, setting a benchmark for public policy innovation in the field.
While Massachusetts boasts favorable maternal health outcomes compared with the national average, disparities based on race, ethnicity, and geography persist. State leaders have introduced proactive measures to address these disparities and safeguard perinatal patients, with a particular focus on those
at the highest risk of maternal morbidity and mortality.
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Improving Access to High-Quality Care
To ensure patients with high-risk pregnancies receive care at hospitals properly staffed and equipped to meet their specific needs, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced it will require licensed birthing hospitals to implement the Levels of Maternal Care system. Developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, this system classifies hospitals based on their capacity to manage a range of potential complications during childbirth.
Legislative Action for Maternal Health
In August 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed groundbreaking legislation to transform maternal health practices and postpartum support systems in Massachusetts. The bill aims to increase access to doulas, lactation consultants, midwifery care, and perinatal mental health care services, alongside other public health initiatives.
MMS President Hugh M. Taylor, MD, praised the bill, highlighting its potential to address the concerning rise in maternal deaths and complications. “This legislation will collectively make meaningful progress toward our shared promise of health equity,” he stated.
A key provision of the new law strengthens the state’s Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC) by granting
it the authority to access vital case information, including autopsy reports and health records. Previously, the MMMRC lacked the statutory authority to obtain this data, leading to delays in producing timely reports and analyses that are crucial for driving significant progress to improve maternal health outcomes. With this new
authority, the MMMRC can conduct more comprehensive case reviews, enabling more effective policy recommendations to reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity.
Maternal Health Task Force
The new legislation is currently establishing a Maternal Health Task Force for access and birthing patient safety. This task force will assess the availability of maternal health services across the state, focusing on issues like the closure of essential maternal health services, workforce adequacy, and access disparities. Additionally, it will explore methods to increase financial investment and improve care access for vulnerable populations. The MMS is honored to be named as a task force member, which is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the Massachusetts legislature by September 1, 2025.
A Model for the Nation
As the United States grapples with a maternal health crisis, Massachusetts continues to lead the way in implementing evidence-based solutions and policies that prioritize the health and safety of obstetric patients. With continued innovation and collaboration among
physicians, researchers, and policymakers, Massachusetts is well-
positioned to guide the nation toward a healthier, more equitable future for all perinatal individuals and their families.
Get Involved
To explore the Medical Society’s advocacy efforts on maternal health, consider joining the Committee on Maternal and Perinatal Welfare. For more information, please visit massmed.org/committees.
