skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

MA lawmakers push Medicaid expansion to improve maternal mortality rates

play audio
Play

Tuesday, May 14, 2024   

On the heels of Mother's Day, Massachusetts lawmakers are backing legislation to address the country's high rates of maternal mortality.

The "Mamas First Act" would expand Medicaid coverage to include doula and midwife services, which are proved to reduce the rates of C-sections, decrease maternal anxiety and boost communication between mothers and their doctors.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., said a safe pregnancy should be a right, not a privilege.

"This is common-sense policy that will ensure our lowest-income mothers are able to access comprehensive maternal care and save lives," Pressley asserted.

Massachusetts has one of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the nation but Pressley pointed out predominantly Black neighborhoods in the Boston-area face drastic health disparities, with preterm birthrates 50% higher among Black women compared to white women.

Backers of the "Mamas First Act" said expanding Medicaid coverage to nonclinical providers, such as midwives, will also help improve cultural competency, leading to better health outcomes in diverse communities.

Regina Davis Moss, president of the National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, said research shows pregnant women of color are experiencing higher mortality rates in states with restrictive abortion bans.

"There's going to be a need to name and address systemic racism," Moss emphasized. "We want to hear politicians leaning into that. It's going to be critical to them if they want to earn our votes."

Moss noted a recent poll found more than 90% of women of color want Congress to address issues of racial justice and health care. She added women of color have traditionally been one of the strongest and most consistent voting groups and it is time for policymakers to address their needs.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021