Virginia’s ‘Momnibus’ Is More Than a Set of Laws—It’s a Call to America to Protect Mothers Now – Ms. Magazine

Report on Virginia’s “Momnibus” Legislation and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis as a Sustainable Development Imperative

The United States faces a significant maternal health crisis, characterized by increasing barriers to care, rising rates of postpartum depression, and climbing childbirth-related mortality rates. These challenges represent a substantial obstacle to achieving several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The disproportionate impact on women of color highlights a critical failure to meet the objectives of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The overall crisis directly contravenes the aims of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). In response to this urgent situation, the Commonwealth of Virginia has enacted a comprehensive legislative package designed to systemically improve maternal health outcomes.

Virginia’s Legislative Framework: The “Momnibus” Initiative

In a landmark move, Virginia has implemented the “Momnibus,” a package of 12 new laws championed by state officials to create a more supportive healthcare environment for pregnant individuals. This initiative represents a significant state-level commitment to building effective and accountable institutions (SDG 16) dedicated to public health. By allocating substantial funding and creating new legal frameworks, Virginia aims to address the maternal health crisis comprehensively, aligning state policy with global development targets.

Core Components and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

The Virginia Momnibus, with laws taking effect from July 1, introduces several measures that directly support the SDGs. Key efforts include:

• Expanding Healthcare Access: By mandating private insurance coverage for licensed midwives and providing for doula visits, the legislation expands access to skilled care before, during, and after childbirth, directly supporting SDG 3, Target 3.1 (reduce the global maternal mortality ratio).
• Holistic Health Support: The provision of dental care for pregnant individuals and the creation of a special health plan enrollment window acknowledge the multifaceted nature of health, contributing to the broader goals of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• Focus on Mental Health: A public awareness campaign and resource hub for perinatal and postpartum depression addresses a critical component of maternal well-being, aligning with SDG 3’s focus on mental health.
• Strengthening Institutions and Reducing Inequality: The establishment of the Commission on Women’s Health as a permanent legislative body strengthens institutional capacity for gender-responsive policymaking (SDG 16, SDG 5). Standardized protocols for obstetric emergencies and the reestablishment of a maternal health data task force aim to improve quality of care for all, thereby working to reduce health disparities (SDG 10).

Analysis of Specific Legislative Measures

The Momnibus package includes several specific bills designed to achieve these outcomes:

1. HB1929: Establishes a partnership with a mobile application to disseminate information on maternal and infant health programs to Medicaid-eligible individuals, leveraging technology to improve access to information in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
2. HB1614/SB1418: Provides payment for up to 10 doula visits (four during pregnancy and six postpartum), directly enhancing support systems for mothers and contributing to better health outcomes (SDG 3).
3. HB2083: Creates a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals in qualified health plans, removing administrative barriers to care and promoting universal health coverage as envisioned in SDG 3.
4. HB2753: Requires hospitals to implement standardized protocols for identifying and responding to obstetric emergencies, a critical step in reducing preventable maternal deaths and improving health system quality (SDG 3).
5. HB2109: Reestablishes the Task Force on Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures to guide evidence-based policies, reinforcing the commitment to strong institutions and data-driven decision-making (SDG 16).

Conclusion: A Replicable Model for National Progress

Virginia’s Momnibus legislation serves as a powerful model for how state-level action can directly contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. By systematically addressing healthcare access, mental health, institutional capacity, and health equity, Virginia provides a clear framework for other states to follow. The ongoing commitment of Virginia’s lawmakers to advance further maternal health measures underscores a sustained effort to ensure that all pregnant residents receive the support necessary for their health and well-being, a fundamental tenet of SDG 3 and SDG 5. This initiative demonstrates that targeted, comprehensive legislation is not only possible but essential for resolving the national maternal health crisis.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

The article on Virginia’s Momnibus legislation addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on improving maternal health, reducing inequalities, and ensuring access to healthcare for pregnant women.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire piece revolves around the maternal health crisis in the United States, citing “climbing” childbirth-related death rates, rising postpartum depression, and the overall need to “improve maternal healthcare.” The Virginia Momnibus legislation is a direct response to these health challenges, aiming to provide comprehensive support to ensure the well-being of mothers and infants.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article focuses exclusively on the health and well-being of women (pregnant individuals). By addressing systemic failures in supporting expecting mothers and establishing a permanent “Commission on Women’s Health,” the legislation promotes gender equality. It acknowledges and seeks to rectify health issues that disproportionately affect women, thereby empowering them through better health outcomes and support systems.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article explicitly mentions that “women of color continue to suffer disproportionately due to entrenched racial disparities.” This highlights a critical inequality in health outcomes. The legislative efforts, such as re-establishing the “Task Force on Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures,” are designed to guide policies that can address and reduce these disparities, promoting more equitable healthcare access and outcomes for all, irrespective of race.

Specific Targets Identified

Based on the article’s content, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio.

   The article directly supports this target by stating that “childbirth-related death rates are climbing” and that the new laws aim to improve maternal health outcomes. The requirement for hospitals to create “standardized protocols for identifying and responding to obstetric emergencies” (HB2753) is a concrete measure to reduce maternal deaths.

2. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

   The article highlights that “rates of postpartum depression are on the rise” and “maternal mental health is plummeting.” The legislation addresses this by creating a “public awareness campaign and resource hub centered on perinatal and postpartum depression,” directly promoting mental health and well-being for mothers.

3. Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services…

   The Virginia Momnibus laws are a clear effort to expand health coverage. The article mentions several examples: expanding “private insurance coverage to licensed midwives,” providing “dental care for pregnant individuals,” covering “up to 10 doula visits” (HB1614/SB1418), and creating a “special enrollment window for pregnant individuals to enroll in qualified health plans” (HB2083). These measures increase access to essential healthcare services for pregnant women.

4. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome…

   The article’s acknowledgment of “entrenched racial disparities” where “women of color continue to suffer disproportionately” connects to this target. The re-establishment of the “Task Force on Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures” (HB2109) is a mechanism to guide policies aimed at reducing these inequalities of outcome in maternal health.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Maternal Mortality Rate (Indicator 3.1.1)

  The article explicitly refers to “childbirth-related death rates,” which is a direct measure of maternal mortality. The success of the new laws would be measured by a reduction in this rate in Virginia.

• Prevalence of Postpartum Depression

  The article notes that “rates of postpartum depression are on the rise.” This serves as a key indicator for mental health (related to Target 3.4). Progress can be measured by tracking the prevalence of perinatal and postpartum depression among mothers in the state.

• Coverage of Essential Health Services (Indicator 3.8.1)

  The article implies several specific indicators of service coverage. Progress can be measured by:

  • The number or proportion of pregnant individuals utilizing covered doula services.
  • The number or proportion of pregnant women receiving dental care under the new provisions.
  • The rate of enrollment in qualified health plans by pregnant individuals through the new special enrollment window.
  • The number of births attended by licensed midwives covered by private insurance.

• Maternal Health Data Disaggregated by Race (Related to Target 10.3)

  The mention of disproportionate suffering by “women of color” and the creation of a “Task Force on Maternal Health Data” implies the need for this indicator. Tracking maternal mortality and morbidity rates disaggregated by race and ethnicity would be essential to measure whether the legislation is successful in reducing the highlighted racial disparities.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: msmagazine.com