Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – Expanded access to perinatal care options for low-risk pregnant women is a win for families, communities, and the state’s bottom line. House Bill 90, championed by Representative Jason Nemes and passed today by the House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee, removes barriers to establishing freestanding birth centers – a priority of health advocates and leaders for many years. 

HB 90 prioritizes pregnant moms’ choices in their care, allows for a safe, small health care facility to offer a homelike environment as an alternative to a hospital delivery, and often results in significant cost savings and better health outcomes for mom and baby.  

With the momentum of HB 90 and its companion SB 17, Kentucky is on track to finally join the 40 other states who already offer freestanding birth centers as an option for pregnant moms. We applaud Representative Nemes for his diligence on this issue and call on the Kentucky House to support passage of HB 90 in these final days of the 2025 legislative session. 

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.