Advancing Maternal Care: CT Gov. Lamont Signs Birth Center Licensing Legislation
Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut has signed into law a proposal he introduced earlier this year, allowing the licensing of free-standing birth centers in the state. The new law aims to offer an alternative to traditional hospitals for low-risk pregnancies and deliveries, expanding access to high-quality maternal health services and increasing choices for expectant parents.
The law comes in response to geographic and financial gaps that hinder patients from receiving essential birthing care. It also addresses the pending requests submitted by hospitals to close their labor and delivery facilities. By introducing free-standing birth centers, the state aims to provide more options for expectant parents in how they want to receive birthing care.
Governor Lamont emphasized that the new law is a moral imperative to ensure safe delivery and provide more choices for giving birth, regardless of a family's background. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz also highlighted the importance of addressing maternal health outcomes and creating better experiences for Connecticut's families.
The legislation seeks to tackle disparities in maternal health care access, particularly among Black populations, who experience higher rates of maternal mortality at national and state levels due to inequitable access to health care resources.
Furthermore, statistics show that birth centers can save costs and decrease the number of cesarean births. They have been successful in increasing vaginal births after cesarean deliveries and reducing preterm births.
The new law establishes requirements for birth center licensing, prohibits unauthorized operations, introduces a doula certification program, and directs the creation of a statewide program for universal nurse home visiting.
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