Krystal Leaphart (Senior Policy Associate, State Partnerships) highlights state-level wins for maternal health, including Michigan’s Birth Justice bill and efforts to expand IVF and doula coverage, while stressing the need for comprehensive SRHR access.
State policy wins for pregnancy and maternal health in 2025
Transcript: While some states are pushing policies to undermine reproductive health and rights, there have been many key wins for pregnancy and maternal health. This year in Michigan, the Michigan State of Birth Justice Coalition worked with legislators to develop and pass a state version of the moment of this bill. This effort aims to address racial inequalities in maternal and infant health, making pregnancy and childbirth safer for people of color.
Other states nationwide are also introducing bills to expand insurance coverage for IVF and doula services. It's important to remember that people have different reproductive health needs over the course of their lives. In addition to expanding access to pregnancy care, states must also prioritize access to, um, abortion, contraception, comprehensive sex education, STI prevention and care and more.
And of course, we also need to support services like affordable housing and public education that would allow parents everywhere to raise their children in safe and supportive environments. It's all connected. For more information, check out our State Legislative Tracker at the link in our bio.