Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – Along with Bloom Kentucky, we are celebrating as House Bill 199 passes the Kentucky House to expand access to safe and healthy prenatal and birth options. HB 199 seeks to remove the certificate-of-need requirement for freestanding birth centers which will allow Kentucky to expand access to safe alternatives to hospital delivery for families.

Although there are now more than 400 freestanding birth centers in 40 states and DC, Kentucky does not have any freestanding birth centers – resulting in pregnant women choosing to cross state lines for this type of care setting. Removing this barrier to establishing freestanding birth centers in Kentucky will help reduce disparities in care and outcomes and offer pregnant and birthing women additional choices for their prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.

We appreciate Representative Nemes’ commitment to this legislation and the Kentucky House for supporting its passage today. We now call on the Senate to support HB 199’s final passage by the final gavel of the General Assembly in April.

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.