Safe Birthing Bill passes through committee

Thank you to all who joined us to get HB 142, The Safe Birthing Bill, passed through the Housing, Aging, Families, and Human Services Committee!

The Safe Birthing Bill, also known as House Bill 142, was introduced to the Ohio House on February 23, 2021, by now Commissioner Erica Crawley and Representative Thomas Brinkley, making this a bipartisan bill. The bill has held previous testimony hearings and will now likely be voted on this Thursday.

HB 142 allows folx who historically cannot afford doula services, especially womxn of color, to determine positive healthcare outcomes before, during, and after birth. The Safe Birthing Bill acknowledges healthy birth outcomes for parents and children and goes beyond doctors, nurses, and other medical staff's expertise. This bill recognizes that birthing parents have the right to decide the necessary physical, emotional, and psychological support, and advocacy resources in their birthing plan.

Stay tuned for upcoming actions to make this bill a law!