bmip legislation
Making Change Happen:
Our Legislative Victories in Delaware
As a powerful advocacy group, Black Mothers in Power has consistently fought to secure justice, equity, and accountability for marginalized communities, centering the voices and experiences of Black mothers in our pursuit of legislative change. Join us as we celebrate our accomplishments and stay tuned for the unveiling of our 2024 legislative priorities, which promise to propel our mission even further. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for all.
The Delaware “Momibus”
2022
House Bill 234 - extends Medicaid coverage through the first year postpartum
House Bill 340 - provides updates to the Child Death Review Commission and name change
House Bill 342 - includes protections for pregnant prisoners regarding restraints
House Bill 343 - requires Medicaid provide a plan for coverage of doula services
HS2 for House Bill 344 - requires bias and competency training for healthcare workers
House Bill 345 - provides access to Doula/Midwifery services for women in DOC custody
2023
House Bill 80 - coverage of Doula services by Jan 1st. 2024
HS 1 for HB 242 - provides that a hospital could not prohibit in-person visitation by a Doula providing Doula services with a pregnant or postpartum person
2024
House Bill 110 - A law change about insurance coverage for ending a pregnancy in Delaware.
House Bill 374 - This law provides legal protections to doctors who offer fertility treatment, just like protections already in place for birth control and abortion services. Doctors in Delaware cannot be punished for providing legal fertility treatment, even if it is illegal in another state.
House Bill 345 - This law says that Medicaid must pay for more visits with a Doula after giving birth if a doctor or nurse recommends it.
House Bill 362 - A new law was passed in Delaware in 2023. It says that starting in 2024, Doula services must be covered by Medicaid. This new law also says that private health insurance plans must cover Doula services too.
House Bill 426 - This law helps pregnant women in prison plan for the birth of their child by allowing them to meet with a Doula or Midwife. They can create a plan for their child's birth, choose a childcare provider, and decide if they want to express breast milk. The law also requires the prison to report on how many women use these services each year.
House Bill 313 - This law makes sure that all women in prison at the highest security levels get checked for breast cancer every year or every two years, as advised by a group of experts.
Senate Bill 300 - This law in makes sure that crisis pregnancy centers are being honest about their medical qualifications. If a center is not officially licensed as a medical facility or does not have a licensed medical provider supervising services in person, they must inform their clients.
Senate Bill 301 - This law requires public universities in Delaware to offer medication for ending pregnancies and emergency contraception to students. The medication and contraception must be available on campus, but students may also receive information and services from a health center associated with the university or an outside agency. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2025.
House Concurrent Resolution 160 - This resolution asks for a medical school to be started in Delaware. It suggests creating a group to plan and set up the school, working with other medical schools, and finding funding to make it happen.