EverThrive Illinois applauds Governor Pritzker for reaffirming his commitment to improving Black maternal health in his State of the State address. Governor Pritzker proposed an investment of $23 million for programs and policies that aim to support families and keep Black women alive during and after pregnancy. Specifically, this funding would be used to:
- Create a new child tax credit for families with children under three;
- Create a monthly diaper allowance for families with low incomes;
- Increase funding for existing home visiting programs to connect families to services;
- Provide training for health care providers on billing insurance and Medicaid; and
- Expand access to birth centers statewide.
Illinois is a national leader in addressing the crisis of Black maternal mortality and these investments are an important next step in ensuring all Illinoisans can raise healthy families on their own terms. EverThrive IL looks forward to working with the Governor, his administration, and lawmakers to advance these and other important priorities which advance birth justice.
EverThrive IL’s birth equity program is at the forefront of promoting reproductive justice in Illinois and responding to the needs of Black pregnant, birthing, and parenting people. This year, we joined with partners to introduce SB3136, the Family Recovery Plans Implementation Task Force Act, which takes the first step in creating a system of safety and support for pregnant people experiencing substance use disorders. We are also working with leadership in the General Assembly to advance HB5142 which will expand access to vital pregnancy and postpartum supports—most importantly requiring insurance coverage for doula supports during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum without cost sharing.
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