Gov. JB Pritzker's proposed $23 million in funding to improve birth equity and maternal health outcomes for Black women includes grants to community health care providers and guaranteed diaper access for low-income mothers. It includes a $1 million pilot program to equip
Pritzker highlighted the effort Monday at a former church on the South Side that will be the future home of the Chicago Southside Birth Center. Founded by midwife and advocate Janine Vallee Logan, the center will provide community-based medical care and a delivery room.
The governor described the center as a model for how Illinois can reduce maternal mortality rates for Black people. And Vallie Logan will be able to apply for the Birth Equity Grant, part of the $4.4 million allocation the governor is seeking from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“Every woman, regardless of income level, has the right to a healthy and safe pregnancy,” Pritzker said. She said, “Without access to the full range of reproductive health care for women and new mothers, there is no freedom of choice.”
A state report last year found that black women in Illinois are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related conditions than white women.
“It's unfortunate and we need to rescind it,” Pritzker said. “These are avoidable deaths. Women should not weigh their lives against bringing another life into this world. In Illinois, we must act, and we must act now. I have to wake up.”
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton spoke about her personal experience in caring for mothers and giving birth during Monday's announcement of the state's new maternal and child health initiative.
Anthony Vasquez/Sun-Times
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who spearheaded the maternal health discussion with doulas and midwives, said the issue is personal to her. She says her daughters have expressed a lack of trust in doctors and are “taking advantage of a health care system that they don't necessarily feel was created for them.”
“Years later, we still don't know how Black women can safely experience pregnancy, birth, and have a healthy first year postpartum. But now, the state of Illinois is taking action. Stratton added.
The governor last week proposed a $52.7 billion budget that highlights some of his key priorities, including funding for immigrants and health care for undocumented people.
The Birth Equity Initiative includes a $5 million increase to the Illinois Department of Human Services' Home Visiting Program. Her $1 million increase to the Illinois Reproductive Health Facilities Grant, along with the Birth Equity Grant, will help nonprofit clinics and community-based health centers in underserved areas of the state. We will support you. Another $1 million will go to a new DHS program to distribute diapers to low-income families.
Starting this year, doulas, midwives and lactation consultants will also be recognized as Medicaid health care providers. The Illinois Department of Health and Family Services says the changes will cost an additional $15 million. The proposed changes will take effect on February 1 and include 16 antenatal visits, up to 16 postnatal visits and support during labor.
Pritzker also wants $12 million to create a child tax credit for low-income families with children under 3.
Lawmakers initially pressed the governor to propose a larger tax credit program. But the governor also voiced support for expanding tax credits for families.
“I think this is the beginning of us definitely being able to expand and cover more families, but focusing on the youngest new children and families that are out there is where we can That’s the most important thing,” Pritzker said. “And we have to do it first.”
