The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced extensive prenatal and postnatal care for new mothers as maternal deaths in the U.S. continue to rise.
As announced in a press release last Thursday, the department will provide care through the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife program. The program will specifically be available to Medicaid customers. The prenatal and postnatal care will be conducted by a professional midwife with credentials issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Offered to mothers expecting to give birth at home outside hospital supervision, the maternity services will include regular physical examinations, access to required medications, ongoing assessments and diagnoses pre- and post-birth, and ordering any needed lab work.
The midwives will also reportedly consult with other healthcare professionals on behalf of the mother and provide counseling and education to mothers, particularly in the postpartum period.
“I am fully committed to making Illinois the best state to raise a family and expanding prenatal and postnatal care is just the start,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By integrating midwives into the Medicaid program, we’re not only addressing a long-standing gap in care, we’re also advancing safe, high-quality birth options for families across the state.”
In the U.S., health officials officially declared a maternal mortality crisis. Per the American Medical Association, as of 2023, the maternal mortality rate was approximately 19 maternal deaths per every 100,000 live births.
Approximately 80% of these deaths were also identified as preventable.
Out of every demographic, Black women are amongst those most affected by the lack of maternal care throughout pregnancies and post-pregnancies for women in the U.S.
Approximately 50.3 maternal deaths are recorded amongst Black women for every 100,000 live births. The statistic is triple that of white women, revealing stark disparities in treatment. Per the CDC, racial disparities in quality healthcare and lack of treatment for underlying health conditions result in a lack of appropriate care for Black women throughout and post-pregnancy.
The latest program offered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services will work to address the high rate of maternal deaths amongst Black women specifically.
“Maternal health equity means ensuring every birthing person has access to the care, support, and respect they deserve throughout pregnancy and childbirth,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “When we know that Black women are still far more likely to experience preventable pregnancy-related complications and deaths, we have a responsibility to expand access to care that improves outcomes.”
