Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Maternal health is critical to babies’ birth outcomes and how new mothers fare, and it relies on access to prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. We appreciate Representative Jason Nemes and the House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulation Committee for recognizing the need to address gaps in the Commonwealth for equitable access to care with today’s passage of House Bill 199.

Freestanding birth centers are health care facilities designed for childbirth, using a midwifery and wellness model. HB 199 would remove barriers to establishing freestanding birth centers in Kentucky. This legislation would give pregnant moms an alternative option to hospital delivery in a safe, home-like environment with support from qualified health professionals.

We thank Representative Nemes and the many co-sponsors of HB 199 for supporting this important equity and access to care issue, as well as the committee members for ensuring this win for young families with passage today.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.