Mississippi House passes bill to improve maternal and infant mortality

The Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill along bipartisan lines that legislators hope will improve maternal, fetal, and infant mortality rates.

Last week, House Bill 539 was passed in a 117-5 vote, and will now head to the Senate for approval. Under the bill, pregnant women in Mississippi who apply for Medicaid will have 60 days of “presumptive eligibility” while their applications for coverage are being considered.

Dr. Anita Henderson, a Hattiesburg pediatrician, said early prenatal care is important — for both mom and baby.

“If a mom waits until the second or third trimester, they have lost the opportunity to treat their high blood pressure treat diabetes, any sort of chronic medical condition,” she said. “And all those medical conditions affect the growth and development of that baby. I think it’s going to help our infant mortality and our maternal mortality rate. It’s just one piece of the puzzle. We also need OB-GYNs. … We need providers and nurses.”

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Last year, Mississippi lawmakers also expanded Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum, so women could continue to get medical care after birth as well.

“Sadly, Mississippi is number one in fetal mortality, infant mortality and maternal mortality. And those are just places that we cannot accept,” Rep. Missy McGee said. “It’s a great combination with the bill that we got passed into law last year, which provided postpartum coverage up to 12 months. So, I think we have kind of covered both ends of a woman’s pregnancy to give her the best chance for a healthy pregnancy.”

The presumptive eligibility program is estimated to cost under $600,000 a year, which McGee said would be well worth it. “The benefits are great, and the risks are very small,” she said. “In a state that you have the highest fetal mortality, infant mortality and maternal mortality rates, these will go a long way.”

Attorney General Lynn Fitch also announced the unveiling of a new website last November, which provides assistance for Mississippi mothers. There, women can find helpful information across nine different categories, including pregnancy, health, adoption, food, goods, safety, money, child care, and jobs among faith-based, private, and public sectors. “Today marks just the beginning of MAMA,” Fitch said when announcing the new site. “Over the coming months, we expect it to grow and offer new and exciting opportunities and resources for Mississippi women and families. It is my hope that MAMA reminds mothers across the state of this important truth: you are not alone, and you can do this!”

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