SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – Black women in Illinois are three times as likely to suffer from a pregnancy-related medical condition compared to white women according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). It’s why Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, both Democrats, worked with state lawmakers to pass a bill aimed at improving birth equity and outcomes across the state.

“Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, but it’s not just about Black women,” Stratton said. “We think about women in rural communities, and in so many ways where all women deserve access to affordable and accessible health care, and so the birth equity initiative does that.”

The bill would require private insurance companies to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives. This includes home births, home visits and support during labor.

Insurers would also be required to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

“This is not a partisan issue, this is a health issue, and it impacts every woman across the State of Illinois,” said state Sen. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, the bill’s Senate sponsor.

The bill passed through both the House and Senate along party lines with all Republicans opposing. They cited the bill’s mandate that insurers cover abortions without a copay as a primary reason for their opposition.

“If you have an abortion, no copay. If you have a baby, you have to pay a copay. If you have a miscarriage, if you suffer a miscarriage, you still have to pay a copay. Does any of that make sense,” said state Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy.

Despite GOP opposition, the bill’s supporters argue the legislation will save lives as data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable.

“We’re talking about saving lives for all women, and we’re talking about women, all women, being able to go home from the hospital alive and well with their babies,” said state Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove.

Illinois’ fiscal year 2025 state budget includes $4 million for IDPH to award grants to community-based providers. It also has $6 million earmarked for the Illinois Department of Human Services to spend on several programs, including a $1 million diaper distribution pilot program.

Pritzker signed the FY25 budget into law on June 5. It takes effect July 1 when the new fiscal year starts.

Copyright 2024 WGEM. All rights reserved.