HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is launching a statewide strategy to reduce maternal deaths and improve access to care, with new funding and coordinated policies aimed at addressing disparities in pregnancy and postpartum health.
What This Means for You
- Expanded Access to Care: The plan focuses on improving prenatal, postpartum, and mental health services for mothers.
- Targeting Disparities: Efforts aim to reduce higher death rates among Black women and underserved communities.
- More State Investment: Millions in new and existing funding will support maternal health programs statewide.
The Shapiro Administration unveiled Tuesday a multi-agency Maternal Health Strategic Action Plan, titled Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures, outlining a coordinated approach to improving outcomes for mothers and infants across Pennsylvania.
Addressing Maternal Mortality and Disparities
The plan responds to ongoing concerns about maternal mortality—deaths related to pregnancy or childbirth—and disparities in outcomes among different populations.
State data cited in the plan shows Black mothers in Pennsylvania are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as white mothers, with officials noting that many of these deaths are preventable.
“We know that Black women are much more likely to die from a pregnancy-related condition — and we know that nearly all of those deaths are preventable,” said Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis.
Key Priorities of the Plan
The strategy outlines five core areas of focus:
- Expanding detection and treatment of mental health and substance use conditions
- Improving access to care in rural areas and maternity care deserts, where limited providers make it difficult to receive services
- Increasing access to high-quality maternity care
- Addressing social factors that affect health, such as housing and transportation
- Expanding and diversifying the maternal health workforce
Officials said the plan also prioritizes improving coordination between agencies and addressing gaps in care during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Funding and Implementation
Since 2023, the administration has invested more than $12.3 million in maternal and child health programs, including expanded screenings for postpartum depression and grants to improve care access.
The proposed 2026–2027 state budget includes an additional $7.5 million for maternal health initiatives through the Department of Health.
Implementation of the plan will be guided by a Perinatal Action Collaborative, a group of state officials, health care providers, and community organizations tasked with prioritizing and carrying out recommendations.
Statewide Collaboration and Input
The plan was developed through collaboration among multiple state agencies, including the Departments of Health, Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Insurance, along with lawmakers, advocacy groups, and more than 80 stakeholders.
Officials said the process included 16 roundtable discussions and a statewide survey to gather input from patients, providers, and community organizations.
“Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures gives us a roadmap for this work,” said Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh.
Next Steps
State agencies will begin implementing the plan’s recommendations through existing programs and new initiatives, with a focus on improving care access, reducing disparities, and strengthening maternal health outcomes statewide.
More information and the full plan are available through the state’s maternal health resources online.
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