Bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing New Jersey’s maternal mortality rate has advanced in the legislative process. Sponsored by Senator Robert Singer, the bill, known as S-700, successfully passed the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a three-year Obstetric Discrimination Prevention and Mitigation Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services.
Senator Singer emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, “Every mother deserves the opportunity to not only survive, but thrive after pregnancy and childbirth.” He added that the bill is a significant step toward enhancing maternal health and ensuring equitable care for Black mothers.
New Jersey ranks 27th among U.S. states in terms of maternal mortality rates, which are higher than the national average. The pilot program will aim to identify obstetric discrimination, improve maternal care, and reduce disparities in health outcomes.
The full text of the bill is available for public review.
