The United States has long failed to adequately support its expecting mothers. Across the country, pregnant women face increasing barriers to essential care, resources and mental health support. Rates of postpartum depression are on the rise, maternal mental health is plummeting, childbirth-related death rates are climbing and women of color continue to suffer disproportionately due to entrenched racial disparities. The maternal health crisis is urgent—and long overdue for meaningful change.
Virginia took a significant step forward late last month, signing into effect a bundle of new laws and precautions created to improve maternal healthcare and offer support to pregnant women statewide. The legislation, dubbed the Virginia Momnibus, was championed by Democratic government officials, including Virginia state Delegates Don Scott and Destiny LeVere Bolling, and signals a historic step forward in Virginia’s approach to maternal health.
We take a closer look at some of these measures.