Inaugural Maternal & Infant Health Day at the Iowa Capitol set for Jan. 30
(Des Moines, IA) — Several Iowa groups focusing on maternal and infant health are coming together on Tuesday, January 30 for the inaugural Maternal and Infant Health Day at the Iowa Capitol. This bipartisan afternoon of advocacy will focus on policies to improve the maternal health of Iowa’s pregnant and postpartum women, which will also lower infant mortality rates and create better economic outcomes for the state’s small businesses.
Members of Postpartum Support International- Iowa (PSI-IA), International Cesarean Awareness Network of Central Iowa (ICAN), and Des Moines Midwife Collective (DMC) have organized the event which will bring together other healthcare organizations and nonprofits that support Iowa’s birthing population, as well as any members of the public who are passionate about maternal and infant health.
“Policies we’ll be speaking with legislators about include expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage, allowing independent, free-standing birth centers to be built without a certificate of need, and retaining the state’s newly appointed Midwifery Advisory Council,” said Rachel Bruns, ICAN chapter leader. “All of these action items support the physical and mental health of Iowa’s parents, which also positively affects their children and the state’s economy.”
The group will be voicing their support for SF506, a bill to fill some of the gaps in Iowa’s maternity deserts by allowing independent, free-standing birth centers to be built without a certificate of need, as well as HSB500, a bill that would extend Medicaid coverage to women 12 months postpartum instead of the current 60 days. Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke favorably of the expansion in her 2024 Condition of the State address, though proposes lowering the income eligibility for this coverage. Maternal and infant health advocates at the Capitol on Jan. 30 will be voicing support to keep the current eligibility requirements for several reasons.
“Medicaid covers almost 50% of the births in our state, and it’s basic healthcare coverage for many working moms who don’t have health insurance options through their employer,” said Brittney Haskins, PSI-IA’s board chair. “Further limiting who can access medical care after having a baby will have negative effects on Iowa’s moms, which in turns creates poorer outcomes for their infants.”
Members of the public who wish to share their postpartum stories or voice their support of policies that will improve maternal and infant health outcomes are welcome to join this event at the Iowa Capitol Rotunda from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The group is offering a free virtual training at noon on January 26 for those who are interested in advocacy but are unfamiliar with in-person legislative events. More information can be found at facebook.com/ICANofCentralIowa or by emailing psiiowachapter@gmail.com.
Media contacts:
Brittney Haskins
PSI-IA Board Chair
(515) 321-7694
brittney.m.haskins@gmail.com
Rachel Bruns
ICAN of Central Iowa Chapter Leader
(515) 720-5892
rachel.m.bruns@gmail.com