LANSING, Mich. – On April 11, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week in Michigan to honor the prenatal through postpartum experiences of Black mothers.
“During Black Maternal Health Week, we affirm our commitment to ensuring that every Black woman in Michigan receives access to quality, affordable maternal and infant health care,” said Whitmer. “The budget proposal I put forward earlier this year expands our Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program, which connects moms to the support they need for healthy pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum care. Let’s keep empowering every Michigander, no matter who they are or where they live, with the right resources for a safe, healthy, and fulfilling pregnancy.”
“Every parent deserves quality, accessible healthcare that helps them focus on what matters: welcoming their precious baby into the world,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II. “Many Black women in the United States experience barriers to accessing quality pre- and postnatal care. Here in Michigan, we have been working diligently to eliminate that disparity by expanding Medicaid coverage for up to a year post-partum and allocating funds to implement recommendations from the Racial Disparities Task Force that will improve access to health services. We’ve gotten a lot done to support Michigan mothers in every community, and we will keep working to make Michigan the best place to raise and grow a family.”
Annually, April 11-17 is recognized nationally as Black Maternal Health Week, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, which amplifies the voices of Black Mamas and centers the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements.
Black women are 2.8 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. Michigan is addressing the root causes of Black maternal morbidity and mortality through systemic change, social justice work, mental health, breastfeeding and doula care support, along with access to equitable health services and programs.
Whitmer Administration actions to protect birth equity
In the 2020 State of the State address, Governor Whitmer proposed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative, which aims to reduce the disproportionate racial impacts of maternal and infant mortality. The governor has since signed multiple budgets funding the program to ensure moms have the support they need for healthy pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum care:
- Allocated $56.4 million for Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative, removing 5-year waiting period for immigrant women and children, investing in hospital maternal health incentives.
- Expanded Medicaid coverage for family planning services up to 195% of federal poverty level.
- Expanded continuous postpartum coverage for mothers to 12 months (previously was 60 days).
- Implemented new licensing rules requiring implicit bias training for health care professionals.
- Started reimbursing families for doulas services under Michigan Medicaid in January 2023, as part of the Michigan Doula Initiative.
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Allocated $26.6 million to continue expansion of programs to support reproductive and maternal health.
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As a result of these programs, more Michigan mothers have the support they need to have safe pregnancies and healthy babies. The Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Initiative resulted in 38,524 enhanced home visits for families enrolled in the statewide Maternal Infant Health Program. Since July 2023, 12,768 Michiganders have received family planning or related services through the Plan First benefit.
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