Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – With final passage of the legislation to remove barriers to the establishment of freestanding birth centers in Kentucky, the General Assembly has paved the way for communities to expand access to safe, equitable perinatal and delivery care for families.

House Bill 90 has passed both the Kentucky House and Senate and has been delivered to the Governor for signature. The main component of the legislation means that moms with a low-risk pregnancy are one step closer to having an alternative option to a hospital setting for their care. It’s a move that can better support maternal health outcomes, give moms and babies the best chance to thrive, and prevent families from needing to cross state lines to receive their preferred care.

We applaud Representative Jason Nemes for his longstanding leadership – as well as Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer, who carried this effort in the Senate – in removing the Certificate of Need requirement so that freestanding birth centers can be established and serve families in the Commonwealth.

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.