NEW JERSEY – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-30) to address New Jersey’s maternal mortality rate passed the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee this week.
The bill, S-700, creates a three-year Obstetric Discrimination Prevention and Mitigation Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services.
“Every mother deserves the opportunity to not only survive, but thrive after pregnancy and child birth,” said Singer. “This bill takes a critical step toward improving maternal health and ensuring Black mothers receive the care they deserve.”
New Jersey currently ranks 27th out of the 50 states in maternal mortality, with a higher rate than the national average.
The program will focus on identifying obstetric discrimination, improving maternal care, and reducing disparities in outcomes.
