Gov. Pritzker Signs Birth Equity Legislation

CHICAGO—Today Governor JB Pritzker, joined by legislators and healthcare workers, signed the Birth Equity Initiative into law. HB5142 is the legislative piece of the Governor’s larger birth equity strategy, proposed in the State of the State address and instituted in the FY25 budget. The bill ensures competitive Medicaid reimbursement rates for doulas, lactation consultants, home visitors, and other community-based care providers who help new mothers before, after, and during birth. The maternal mortality gap refers to data that shows Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, regardless of income level.

“It’s unacceptable that Black families must factor risk of death or serious medical complications into the important calculus of having a family, and here in Illinois we are working to close the maternal mortality gap and make sure every Illinoisan can give birth and raise a child safely and healthily,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m especially thankful to Lieutenant Governor Stratton for her leadership on this initiative and for her relentless advocacy for women across the state—with her help, we’re building a better future for our youngest Illinoisans and their families.”

"Today, we're not just signing a bill into law – we're writing a new chapter in the story of maternal health in Illinois. Governor Pritzker’s signature reaffirms Illinois’ unwavering commitment to every mother's right to a safe and healthy pregnancy," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "By investing in culturally competent care, addressing systemic inequities, and centering the voices of those most affected, we're creating a future where every mother, regardless of race or ZIP code, can bring life into this world without fear."

The Governor’s larger budget-based birth equity plan also invests $15 million in closing the maternal mortality gap through home visiting expansion, capital dollars for community-birth centers, a diaper pilot program, changes to Medicaid reimbursement rates, and a child tax credit for families in poverty. The Birth Equity Initiative includes over $10 million in funding to identify and address gaps in funding programs that can reduce adverse maternal health outcomes. This includes $5 million to expand the Department of Human Services’ home visitor program, and funding for a pilot diaper equity program at DHS.

The birth equity initiative also includes dollars for existing clinics under the IL Reproductive Health Facilities Capital Grant dollars, targeted towards birth centers that provide pregnancy services in underserved areas and areas that have seen an influx of patients in the aftermath of the Dobbs decision. It also includes capital grant funding to support birth centers trying to gather capital to open in underserved areas.

Maternal mortality statistics include pregnancy and birth related complications up to a year after birth, and evidence shows that home visiting programs and ensuring access to necessities like diapers reduce the burden on new parents and lead to better outcomes.

Governor Pritzker has repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to Illinois’ youngest residents. The FY25 budget also included $50 million for a child tax credit for working families with children under three to reduce child poverty. Illinois was also the first state to expand Medicaid benefits from 60 days to 12 months postpartum for women with incomes up to 208% of the federal poverty level.

“As a lawmaker and former executive director of Everthrive, I’ve spent my career working on behalf of newborns and mothers. I was proud to sponsor the Birth Equity bill, requiring private insurance to cover critical services such as doulas, lactation consultants and midwives. These services are proven to increase healthier birth outcomes,” said Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston). “A safe, healthy pregnancy shouldn’t be predicated on one’s income, background or race; it is a fundamental right. Now, with the signing of this bill we are closer to making this a reality.”

"As a proud mother of two and a certified nursing assistant of over 20 years, I have seen how our hospital birth focused care model results in poor outcomes for many mothers, especially those who identify as a person of color, low-income or high-risk. I have also experienced health disparities in my own family, and I am passionate about ensuring equal access to maternal health care," said Rep. Yolonda Morris (D-Chicago). "Our birth equity package is a vital step in addressing these issues. Mothers, regardless of where they live or how much they make, will be able to receive essential services, without sharing the cost with insurance companies, from perinatal doulas, licensed midwives and other health care professionals. I am proud to be a sponsor of House Bill 5142, and I will continue to work to make sure Illinois remains a leader in protecting our patients' fundamental right to access reproductive health services." 

“As a Black woman with three boys, this legislation is personal to me. The increasing rates of infant and maternal mortality, particularly among Black women, demand urgent action,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “This law is not just about health care — it's about justice, equality and the right of every mother and child to have access to the safest and most effective care, ultimately reducing mortality rates and ensuring healthier futures for Illinois families.”

"Thank you, Governor JB Pritzker for signing the Birth Equity Bill (HB 5142) into law which is a strong step forward in addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes, especially for Black birthing people,” said Jennifer Welch, CEO and President of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. “As pro-choice champions, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action knows the importance of everyone having equitable access to the full spectrum of birthing options including home birth, home visits and support during labor, an abortion, or a miscarriage. Thanks to this law, today more Illinoisans have access to the pregnancy care they need and deserve." 

“This bill is groundbreaking because it positions abortion care as inseparable from the full spectrum of pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care,” said Sarah Garza Resnick, CEO of Person PAC. “We work with providers and advocates every day who know this is the reality. All Illinois families deserve the care that this bill provides, regardless of their income level."

“EverThrive Illinois applauds the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), and State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) in passing HB 5142, the birth equity initiative for pregnancy and postpartum care,” said Chi Chi Okwu, M.P.H., Executive Director, EverThrive Illinois. “This law will seek to address the maternal health disparities in Illinois by providing additional insurance coverage for birth workers like midwives and doulas. As an organization fighting for increased access to health care for communities most impacted by injustice, we know that expanding access to birth workers across the state is essential in addressing birth equity."

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