Bill > SB0029

This bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to enhance tracking, reporting, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health. The bill requires the state health department to maintain a team that comprehensively reviews maternal deaths, develops strategies to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities, and creates new reporting requirements. Specifically, the bill introduces definitions for "obstetric racism" and "obstetric violence," mandates tracking of these incidents in health information systems, and requires the department to submit detailed reports every three years beginning in 2026. The reports must include a list of preventable causes of maternal mortality, recommendations for best practices in clinical settings, and findings related to biased or unjust perinatal care. The bill also expands the department's responsibilities to include establishing a webpage with research on minority populations, publishing studies on obstetric racism, and developing strategies to increase minority representation in health professions. The legislation aims to address systemic inequities in maternal healthcare by improving data collection, increasing awareness, and promoting more equitable medical practices. The bill's implementation is contingent on the passage of two related Senate bills (SB 30 and SB 32).

Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0029