Lehigh Times

A sharp political divide currently exists in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, stalling action on many important issues. However, advancing policies to improve maternal health in the Commonwealth is an exception.

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) initiated efforts in 2018 by authoring a bipartisan law that established the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee. This committee analyzes all maternal deaths in the state, identifies causes, and develops strategies to decrease these tragedies.

Since then, more House members have joined this cause with the formation of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus (PBMHC) in 2023. Mackenzie noted, "I am the only Republican member." The PBMHC aims to reverse the trend of high maternal morbidity and mortality rates among Black women in Pennsylvania.

Last fall, legislation supported by Mackenzie was signed into law to improve access to maternal health and morbidity data for medical professionals and policymakers. He expressed pride in his efforts and attended the bill-signing ceremony with PBMHC members.

In this legislative session, Mackenzie has worked with colleagues on eight bills aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. Several proposals are currently progressing through the General Assembly:

- Requiring Medicaid to reimburse certified doulas for childbirth education and support services.

- Expanding Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors for pregnant and postpartum enrollees.

- Creating a new state program providing supply kits and connecting new mothers to additional support programs.

- Mandating private insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors as a pregnancy-related service for all residents.

- Providing private insurance coverage for doula services.

Mackenzie shared personal experience: "My wife and I used the services of two doulas during the recent birth of our son," highlighting their value during pregnancy.

Another legislative development benefiting families was enhancing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit included in the 2023-24 state budget. About 200,000 families across Pennsylvania began realizing these savings in tax year 2023.

Mackenzie's Pennsylvania Family Tax Relief Plan also proposes cutting state taxes on children's books, toys, cribs, and strollers to assist those struggling financially due to inflation.

In coming weeks, Mackenzie plans to continue bipartisan efforts on legislation related to new mothers' health and welfare while building support for doula bills and other measures aimed at improving maternal healthcare.

"This bipartisan approach has already resulted in several important legislative wins," he stated. "I am now focused on building upon that track record of success."

Representative Ryan Mackenzie

187th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Andy Briggs

717-260-6474

abriggs@pahousegop.com