SPRINGFIELD—As disparities in maternal mortality rates continue to alarm health care professionals and soon-to-be mothers across the state, State Senator Lakesia Collins passed a measure to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.

“Why should mothers have to make the decision between paying their rent, mortgage or car loan, and making sure they and their baby are healthy?” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Women should not have their health decisions limited by whether or not they can afford care. This initiative will impact many women in the state by eliminating the cost-sharing requirements for this care, and end up saving lives.”

Under Collins’ legislation, private insurers would be required to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives, including home births, home visits and support during labor. Insurance companies would need to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants, including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

SPRINGFIELD – Leading the charge to address disparities in maternal mortality rates in Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is spearheading a measure to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.

“As a mom, I know how necessary pregnancy and midwife services are and how vital it is to lower the maternal mortality rate by ensuring mothers and newborns have the best health care and supports possible,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Black women face some of the highest mortality rates during and after pregnancy, and with this legislation, we will begin to close gaps in coverage and increase safety and care for all newborns and mothers in Illinois.”

Under Collins’ legislation, private insurers would be required to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives, including home births, home visits and support during labor. Insurance companies would need to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants, including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

SPRINGFIELD – To assess the progress being made to place youth in care in appropriate settings, State Senator Lakesia Collins passed legislation to require the Department of Children and Family Services to annually report the number of youth in care who are erroneously placed in temporary living settings.

“We need to see the accurate numbers from DCFS and ensure that we are accounting for all children in foster care and what their living situations are,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is so important to make sure children are in safe and healthy living conditions, and with this data we can more accurately assess problems and potential solutions.”

Under Collins’s legislation, House Bill 4758, DCFS’ Annual Youth in Care Waiting Placement Report would be required to include the number of youth in care who remained in temporary living spaces, such as psychiatric hospitals, out-of-state residential facilities, detention centers or other emergency placements like shelters.

SPRINGFIELD – To promote and highlight the University of Illinois Cancer Center, State Senator Lakesia Collins passed a resolution to honor the dedication of UICC as an accredited National Cancer Institute in Illinois.

“The researchers and employees at UICC work day and night to continue their progress on combating cancer, and it is my honor to recognize their efforts toward accreditation,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “UICC is now recognized as one of the three institutions in the state that are NCI-designated cancer centers, which will help increase access to quality cancer care in Illinois.”

Senate Resolution 727 recognizes the University of Illinois Cancer Center and its strides toward reduced inequalities in cancer outcomes as well as scientific solutions for equitable outcomes in cancer care.