HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – One package of bills trying to pass this session aims to address disparities in maternal healthcare here in Pennsylvania.

The PA Black Maternal Health Caucus launched in 2023 to prevent maternal deaths in the state. During its Momnibus day of advocacy on Monday, the caucus shared data that shows that black women are roughly twice as likely to die during or within a year of pregnancy and are 2 to 3 times greater risk of pregnancy related death compared to white women in Pennsylvania and nationally.

Members say they’re seeing traction on two bills from last session that help with medical coverage for pregnant or postpartum women who need blood pressure monitors. Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-Allegheny) is a co-founder and co-chair of the caucus. A bill she sponsors aims to expand medical coverage for at home blood pressure monitors as a pregnancy-related issue. House Bill 1234 is just one part of the Momnibus legislative package.

“We were able to add bills about midwifery this year because we haven’t modernized midwifery practices in this kind of well for generations and so we know that is another way that we can prevent maternal mortality and morbidity,” Rep. Hayes says.

The legislative package also includes bills to give moms more freedom to nurse their children in public, a maternal and newborn supply kit pilot program, the Moms Substance Abuse Diversion Court, the PA Dads Matter Act, and more.

The House Health Committee passed HB1234 passed on Monday 22 to 4. HB1088, which includes blood pressure monitor coverage in private insurance passed the full House on June 10.