PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

PBMHC co-chairs introduce Pennsylvania’s Momnibus legislative package

“Our Momnibus package is the culmination of years of work to address the critical issues surrounding maternal health and well-being,” Cephas said. “These core areas of increasing access to care, eliminating maternal health deserts, and addressing social determinants of health, guide our focus in this comprehensive platform. This caucus has done an amazing job of developing a multi-pronged approach to achieve health and maternal care equity for birthing people across the state no matter where they live.” Read more

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Mayes invites parents, advocates to first statewide Black Maternal Health Summit

(Apr 10, 2025) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes, PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

Lawmakers holding three-day-event in Pittsburgh for Black Maternal Health Week 2025 Read more

Powell, Howard, Daley & Shusterman advocate for reproductive rights in Harrisburg

(Apr 07, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell, Rep. Melissa Shusterman, Rep. Mary Jo Daley

HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell, Kristine C. Howard, Mary Jo Daley and Melissa Shusterman rallied for reproductive rights today in the state Capitol Rotunda, alongside Planned Parenthood PA advocates. “In this post-Roe era, the blurred lines between legality and restriction have dangerously entangled law, politics and human life,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “Elected officials take an oath of office to defend the rights of the people, not strip them away for the sake of political agendas. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose.” “While abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania, it is heavily regulated by the Abortion Control Act, a Reagan-era law that became the playbook for abortion restrictions nationwide,” Howard, D-Chester, added. “My legislation, the Reproductive Freedom Act , would eliminate this law and replace it with a much more perfect statutory scheme, a more rational and compassionate model positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in reproductive rights.” "Our state must be a place where personal freedoms are protected and where every resident can access health care without interference," Daley, D-Montgomery, and co-chair of the PA Women's Health Caucus, said. "By supporting these safeguards, we affirm our shared commitment to personal liberty, civil discourse and the protection of every Pennsylvanian’s right to seek care safely and freely." “We Read more

Pittsburgh state rep. pushes new protections for Pennsylvania’s abortion clinics

(Apr 07, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

Pittsburgh-area state Rep. Lindsay Powell is rallying in Harrisburg today, urging lawmakers to enshrine into Pennsylvania law a federal act that protects abortion clinics from threats and damages. Powell’s bill comes on the heels of a Trump administration memo directing the Department of Justice to dismiss several cases against those accused of obstructing care at reproductive health clinics. Read more

Save the Date and Register -- April 14-16

(Mar 17, 2025) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

Black Maternal Health is at a turning point, and we are bringing together the voices, expertise, and solutions to drive real change. This three-day experience will highlight the urgent need for action, elevate community-led solutions, and center the lived experiences of Black birthing people and families. Through engaging discussions, innovative tech demonstrations, policy deep dives, and powerful storytelling, we will build a collective vision for a future where Black mothers and babies thrive. Event Highlights Day 1 | Monday, April 14 The Power of Black Fathers in Maternal Health – A main stage conversation on the role of dads in birth equity Tech & Black Maternal Health – Live demonstrations of groundbreaking innovations PA Black Maternal Health Week 2025 Opening Reception – Network with leaders and change-makers Day 2 | Tuesday, April 15 Policy Hearing: Midwifery Modernization and Maternal Health Deserts – Exploring legislative solutions Press Conference – Raising awareness and calling for statewide action Keynote Luncheon – A powerful address from a leading voice in maternal health Main Stage Panel: Pennsylvania Call to Action for Black Maternal Health Day 3 | Wednesday, April 16 Center 1968 Training – Honoring history and equipping advocates for action Brunch & Learn: Delivering Justice Part 2 Read more

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Celebrates Legacy of Black Midwives

(Mar 14, 2025) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

As part of their Brunch and Learn series of virtual meetings, the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus today held a celebration in recognition of the legacy of Black midwives on Black Midwifery Day. Read more

Powell introduces bill to keep Pennsylvanians seeking reproductive healthcare services safe

(Feb 20, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, Feb. 20 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a state version of a federal law that protects patients from violence and harassment when visiting sites where abortions and reproductive healthcare services are provided. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 670 ) would establish a state version of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to guarantee the rights of Pennsylvania mothers and birthing individuals. The FACE Act prohibits intimidation, obstruction and/or violence against those seeking reproductive healthcare services and providers, while also prohibiting defacement/damage to sites offering such services. “As long as abortion is legal in PA, all efforts must be made to not only keep reproductive healthcare readily accessible, but to keep both patients and providers safe during these processes. Intolerance of any kind runs counter to the constitutional rights of residents and has no place in this Commonwealth,” Powell said. “My bill would help curb potential threats and put the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians first.” President Bill Clinton signed the federal FACE Act into law in May 1994. Read more

Pennsylvania’s Women’s Health Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus join together to lay out priorities for Pennsylvania’s 2025-2026 legislative session

(Jan 27, 2025) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

Women’s Health and Black Maternal Health News Conference Read more

Cephas announces committee assignments for 2025-26

(Jan 15, 2025) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Philadelphia, announced that she has been assigned by leadership to serve on five standing House committees for the 2025-26 legislative session. Cephas will serve on the Commerce; Consumer Protection; Technology & Utilities; Housing & Community Development; and Insurance committees for the state House of Representatives. Cephas was also selected to continue as the chairwoman of the House Government Oversight Committee. Cephas is also a co-chairwoman and co-founder of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and is expected to be re-elected as the chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation later in January. Read more

Cephas sworn-in for fifth term in PA House

(Jan 07, 2025) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., took her oath of office today in a ceremony at the state Capitol in Harrisburg to begin her fifth term serving the 192nd Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. The oath was administered by Pa. Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd. Following her swearing-in, Cephas nominated state Rep. Joanna McClinton for speaker of the House who was then re-elected to continue serving as the first woman speaker in the history of the House. Read more

Shapiro signs Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.

(Oct 30, 2024) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

“Research has shown that doula support leads to improved birth outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor durations and higher rates of breastfeeding initiation. By providing continuous support throughout pregnancy and the important first year following birth, doulas contribute to safer and more positive experiences for families," Cephas said. "Lack of coverage for doula services in Medicaid leads to a vast disparity in care for women who are already statistically at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with Black birthing people at the highest risk of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This new law will give these parents a proven network of support needed to produce better mental and physical health outcomes during their birthing journey. " Read more

Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates one-year anniversary of advocacy, action and impact

(Oct 17, 2024) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – Members of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus today celebrated the one-year anniversary of its formation with a virtual celebration and live broadcast with stakeholders to discuss the impact of the group’s advocacy and action over the past year. The caucus was formed on Oct. 17, 2023, with state Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, serving as co-chairs. Building on the momentum of legislative victories and the increasing need for attention to maternal mortality and morbidity issues, particularly affecting Black families, Cephas said the caucus set out to address the disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in Pennsylvania through strategic, intersectional legislation and policy; by creating a collaborative, representative and action-oriented legislative and policy space for Pennsylvania legislators, advocates and stakeholders; and introducing and advancing the PA MOMNIBUS – a legislative package making critical investments and policy changes to improve maternal health outcomes in the state. “I am so grateful to be part of such a dynamic and transformative group of legislators and advocates working toward the important goal of improving maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and their babies in Pennsylvania,” Cephas said. “In this past year and budget season we’ve been able to Read more

Lawmakers present checks, provide update on maternal healthcare efforts

(Oct 16, 2024) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

“One of the core missions of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and Women’s Health Caucus is to ensure that the funding that is needed on the ground for organizations to do the important work of ensuring better maternal health outcomes for mothers and their babies is there for them,” Cephas said. “We worked hard to get $25 million dedicated to maternal health in this year’s state budget and $5 million in state funding dedicated to a Maternal Health Fund to provide needed dollars to organizations coming up with innovative ideas." Read more

Postpartum Depression Education Act moves to governor's desk in major win for Black Maternal Health Caucus’ ‘Momnibus’ package

(Oct 10, 2024) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

Harrisburg, October 10 — On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania legislature passed legislation (H.B.2127), which directs the PA Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign around perinatal and postpartum depression. The bill was introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Gina Curry, D-Delaware, and Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware. “As a mom of two, I know that even during the immense joy of bringing a baby into the world, mothers can struggle with postpartum depression,” Fiedler said. “New moms should not have to deal with the shame and isolation that often accompany this common, treatable heath condition. This new public awareness campaign is critical to increasing education, reducing stigma and saving lives.” “This bill is not just a legislative measure; it is a critical lifeline for countless families, addressing the postpartum challenges of depression, psychosis, and other perinatal mental health issues head-on. It marks a crucial first step in providing the education and resources needed to ensure that birthing individuals understand they are not alone in their struggles,” Curry said. Maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in the commonwealth, according to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Nearly 75% of mothers affected receive no treatment. To improve maternal health outcomes, H.B. 2127 Read more

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates progress on legislation

(Oct 01, 2024) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 -- #MOMNIBUS update! Two of our MOMNIBUS bills were approved in the PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee today, putting them in position to be considered by the full Senate as early as next week! We’re so close to getting these important measures across the finish line! House Bill 1608 , introduced by PA Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chair Morgan Cephas , would extend Medicaid coverage to doula services while also creating a Doula Advisory Board. Under the bill, Medicaid would reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services, including physical and emotional support, during pregnancy, labor and delivery and up to one year postpartum. House Bill 2127 , introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler , PA Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chair Gina H. Curry and state Rep. Lisa Borowski , would empower the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign about the symptoms and effects of postpartum depression and DOH to centralize access to organizations that provide counseling for PPD on their website and on fact sheets available in doctor’s offices. The bills now go to the full Senate for consideration. Read more

Cephas' bill would address implicit bias in Pa. health care

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, June 26 – On the heels of a new report detailing racial biases in the U.S. healthcare system, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today emphasized the need for her legislation that seeks to resolve the subconscious biases of healthcare providers in the state so they can improve patient care and adapt practices for the diverse communities they serve. A lengthy report released today by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine laid out the harms of structural racism in the U.S. healthcare system to minority populations and offered solutions to combatting the problem. Cephas’ legislation ( H.B. 2178 ) to address the biases of healthcare providers in Pennsylvania was introduced in April. Under Cephas’ bill, each person applying for a license or certification issued by a health-related board within the Department of State would be required to complete training regarding implicit bias and cultural competence. Such training would, at minimum, include an understanding of implicit bias and include practical techniques to reduce unconscious bias and improve cultural competence. “There is extensive evidence and research of implicit bias in our healthcare system, resulting in the unequal treatment of patients based on race, gender, weight, age, language spoken, income and insurance status, and most often leading to negative health outcomes for poor people and communities of Read more

Mothers, maternal health advocates gather to support Postpartum Depression Awareness Act

(Jun 10, 2024) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. Gina H. Curry, Rep. Lisa Borowski

Harrisburg, June 10 – A bill that would increase awareness of perinatal and postpartum depression and treatment options was a topic of discussion today as mothers and maternal health advocates rallied with members of the House on the bill’s importance and the House passed it. Introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Gina Curry, D-Delaware, and Lisa Borowski, D- Delaware, H.B. 2127 would empower the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign to inform Pennsylvanians about the symptoms and effects of PPD. It also would direct the department to centralize access to organizations that provide counseling for PPD on their website and on fact sheets available in doctor’s offices. “New mothers deserve to feel supported, not alone, in the time before and after a new baby arrives. Our current lack of resources for perinatal depression effectively strips new mothers of agency in understanding their mental health,” Fiedler said. “Having widely available education materials on these conditions will empower new parents to support themselves and their babies. All women and pregnant people deserve the opportunity to prioritize their health, whether that means access to miscarriage management medication, abortion, or counselling for postpartum depression.” Fiedler said that PPD is distinct from what some call “baby blues,” feelings of sadness or anxiety that only Read more

Mayes, Curry bill to provide maternal and newborn supply kits passes PA House

(Jun 06, 2024) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes, Rep. Gina H. Curry

HARRISBURG, June 6 – Building on their strong record of propelling initiatives aimed to assist Pennsylvania families, state Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, and state Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, announced today that their legislation that would create a state program providing “Welcome Baby” kits to new moms and parents passed the Pennsylvania House. House Bill 2137 would establish a new state program to help ease the financial and emotional stress new moms and parents face by providing them with maternal and newborn supply kits and connecting them to additional support programs available at the state and county levels. “I believe that the arrival of a newborn should be a time of joy and hope, not stress and uncertainty,” said Mayes, D-Allegheny. “Our legislation would ensure that these families receive the support they need during this transformative time. “The Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit program addresses the social determinants of health like having a low income which can impact a person’s health outcomes. For new moms and parents, these kits are part an answer to combat the driving forces of maternal mortality and morbidity and a lifeline for struggling new families.” I stand firmly committed to advocating for policies that provide parents with the necessary resources to nurture their child from day one.” “Welcoming Read more

Steele bill that would provide needed blood pressure monitoring devices to pregnant women passes PA House

(May 21, 2024) Rep. Mandy Steele

HARRISBURG, May 21 – A bill introduced by state Rep. Mandy Steele that would provide another tool for pregnant women to keep healthy passed the PA House today. Steele’s bill ( H.B. 2138 ) would require insurance coverage for medically necessary blood pressure monitors for home use as a pregnancy-related service. “Hypertension and related disorders are a leading cause of maternal, neonatal and fetal health complications and death. Early identification and intervention is critical to the health of the mother and baby,” Steele said. “Remote blood pressure monitoring is a reliable, effective strategy in getting control of the mother’s blood pressure and avoiding costly and preventable complications.” High blood pressure affects approximately 1 in 10 pregnancies in the United States. When left uncontrolled, it can result in complications, including preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm delivery, heart attack and heart failure, stroke and even death. Steele’s bill, which passed the House on a bipartisan vote, is one of the bills in the “Momnibus” legislative package, which addresses critical disparities in maternal health care. “This is an important piece of legislation for maternal wellness, and I urge the Senate to act on this bill,” Steele said. Read more

Casey to introduce bill expanding Medicaid maternity care to include doulas and midwives

(May 09, 2024) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

The federal legislation follows the passage of a similar bill that passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to cover doula services for expectant and new mothers here. Read more

Bill to expand Medicaid maternity care to cover doula services passes in Pennsylvania House

(May 07, 2024) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

The bill, introduced by state Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) is part of a package of legislation on Black maternal health — nicknamed the “Momnibus” by supporters — that includes a requirement for Medicaid to pay for blood pressure monitors, which also passed Monday in the state House with a 164-37 vote. Read more

Pennsylvania’s Women’s Health Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus join together to lay out priorities for Pennsylvania’s 2025-2026 legislative session
Jan 27, 2025

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Mayes invites parents, advocates to first statewide Black Maternal Health Summit Apr 10, 2025

Powell, Howard, Daley & Shusterman advocate for reproductive rights in Harrisburg Apr 07, 2025

Pittsburgh state rep. pushes new protections for Pennsylvania’s abortion clinics Apr 07, 2025

Save the Date and Register -- April 14-16 Mar 17, 2025

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Celebrates Legacy of Black Midwives Mar 14, 2025

Powell introduces bill to keep Pennsylvanians seeking reproductive healthcare services safe Feb 20, 2025

Pennsylvania’s Women’s Health Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus join together to lay out priorities for Pennsylvania’s 2025-2026 legislative session Jan 27, 2025

Cephas announces committee assignments for 2025-26 Jan 15, 2025

Cephas sworn-in for fifth term in PA House Jan 07, 2025

Shapiro signs Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa. Oct 30, 2024

Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates one-year anniversary of advocacy, action and impact Oct 17, 2024

Lawmakers present checks, provide update on maternal healthcare efforts Oct 16, 2024

Postpartum Depression Education Act moves to governor's desk in major win for Black Maternal Health Caucus’ ‘Momnibus’ package Oct 10, 2024

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates progress on legislation Oct 01, 2024

Cephas' bill would address implicit bias in Pa. health care Jun 26, 2024

Mothers, maternal health advocates gather to support Postpartum Depression Awareness Act Jun 10, 2024

Mayes, Curry bill to provide maternal and newborn supply kits passes PA House Jun 06, 2024

Steele bill that would provide needed blood pressure monitoring devices to pregnant women passes PA House May 21, 2024

Casey to introduce bill expanding Medicaid maternity care to include doulas and midwives May 09, 2024

Bill to expand Medicaid maternity care to cover doula services passes in Pennsylvania House May 07, 2024

Mayes invites parents, advocates to first statewide Black Maternal Health Summit
Apr 10, 2025

Powell, Howard, Daley & Shusterman advocate for reproductive rights in Harrisburg
Apr 07, 2025

Pittsburgh state rep. pushes new protections for Pennsylvania’s abortion clinics
Apr 07, 2025

Save the Date and Register -- April 14-16
Mar 17, 2025

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Celebrates Legacy of Black Midwives
Mar 14, 2025

Powell introduces bill to keep Pennsylvanians seeking reproductive healthcare services safe
Feb 20, 2025

Pennsylvania’s Women’s Health Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus join together to lay out priorities for Pennsylvania’s 2025-2026 legislative session
Jan 27, 2025

Cephas announces committee assignments for 2025-26
Jan 15, 2025

Cephas sworn-in for fifth term in PA House
Jan 07, 2025

Shapiro signs Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.
Oct 30, 2024

Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates one-year anniversary of advocacy, action and impact
Oct 17, 2024

Lawmakers present checks, provide update on maternal healthcare efforts
Oct 16, 2024

Postpartum Depression Education Act moves to governor's desk in major win for Black Maternal Health Caucus’ ‘Momnibus’ package
Oct 10, 2024

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates progress on legislation
Oct 01, 2024

Cephas' bill would address implicit bias in Pa. health care
Jun 26, 2024

Mothers, maternal health advocates gather to support Postpartum Depression Awareness Act
Jun 10, 2024

Mayes, Curry bill to provide maternal and newborn supply kits passes PA House
Jun 06, 2024

Steele bill that would provide needed blood pressure monitoring devices to pregnant women passes PA House
May 21, 2024

Casey to introduce bill expanding Medicaid maternity care to include doulas and midwives
May 09, 2024

Bill to expand Medicaid maternity care to cover doula services passes in Pennsylvania House
May 07, 2024