Charting the Future of Maternal Health: State Momnibus Scan Highlights Progress and Challenges Across the U.S.

Across the country, states are stepping up to address the maternal health crisis through comprehensive Momnibus legislation — coordinated policy packages designed to tackle maternal mortality, morbidity, and inequities in care. The new report, State Momnibus Scan: Charting the Future of Maternal Health (October 2025), by Amani Echols, Lorena Bonet Velazquez, and Marla Guerra of the National Partnership for Women & Families, provides a detailed look at where and how this work is advancing.

The report identifies 17 states that have either passed or introduced Momnibus legislation in 2025. Of those, 13 states have partially or fully enacted their packages — with several introducing “Momnibus 2.0” updates this year. Common priorities across these efforts include expanding access to doula and midwifery care, maternal mental health services, workplace accommodations, and economic security for birthing people.

A key takeaway: while momentum is growing, funding and implementation remain major hurdles. Many laws have been enacted without adequate appropriations, slowing progress. Cuts to federal Medicaid also threaten states’ ability to fulfill key provisions, underscoring the importance of stable funding and collaborative policymaking.

The report highlights states like Colorado, Michigan, Kentucky, and California as case studies in inclusive and innovative policymaking — from Colorado’s community-driven “Birth Equity Bill Package” to Michigan’s equity-centered collaboration with Black birth justice organizations. These examples show how collaborative governance, which gives birthing people and birth workers a real voice in policymaking, can lead to more equitable outcomes.

The State Momnibus Scan is both a roadmap and a call to action. It demonstrates that despite federal gridlock, states can lead the way in building safer, more just maternity care systems — but only if they pair visionary legislation with the funding, equity focus, and community partnership needed to make it real.

👉 Explore the full report: State Momnibus Scan: Charting the Future of Maternal Health

Authors: Amani Echols, Lorena Bonet Velazquez, and Marla GuerraPublished by: National Partnership for Women & Families, with support from the Skyline Foundation