Welch, House Democrats Advance Bill Addressing Biases in Maternal Healthcare

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch and House Democrats are continuing their efforts to improve outcomes for new mothers and babies with legislation expanding implicit bias training for doctors, doulas and other maternal healthcare providers.

“It’s unacceptable that in the 21st Century, childbirth poses so many challenges to new mothers—and it’s unconscionable that Black women in particular face preventable risks so much more often,” Welch said. “So many of these disparate outcomes—from slower diagnosis of potentially life-threatening complications, to less effective pain management strategies—are rooted in unconscious attitudes and stereotypes. But by raising awareness and promoting cultural competency, we can continue to improve healthcare for moms and babies.”

Welch joined state Rep. Lisa Davis to pass House Bill 2517, which ensures that healthcare providers working directly with expectant mothers and newborns complete regular training to know the risks women of color and other historically marginalized groups face during childbirth and understand how many unconscious assumptions contribute to these challenges.

This measure builds on historic birth equity legislation enacted last year by House Democrats. That new law, now in effect, expands insurance coverage of prenatal, birth, and newborn care, while also empowering women and their healthcare providers to choose a birth plan that works for them.

“Our healthcare professionals should listen to patients and do their best to assist them, but oftentimes patients, especially those from certain backgrounds, have serious needs ignored from a place of unconscious bias,” said Davis. “This bill raises the bar for our healthcare workforce and will produce better results for families and communities everywhere.”