BOSTON — State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) announced Monday that the Senate voted unanimously (40-0) to approve two pieces of legislation that would expand health care access for women in Massachusetts.

The two bills were passed on March 3 and have been referred to the Massachusetts House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.

“Access to quality care and health outcomes should not be influenced by one’s gender, ethnicity or any other socioeconomic factor,” said Crighton. “These bills take important steps to promote and expand health care for women. We must continue to pass legislation that makes health care more fair, just and available to all.”

The first bill would require certain public spaces such as schools, correctional facilities and temporary housing locations like shelters to provide free, disposable menstrual products conveniently and without stigmatization.

The second bill would address issues in maternal health by requiring MassHealth to provide standard coverage for eligible pregnant and postpartum residents for 12 months after the end of pregnancy. Currently, MassHealth coverage for individuals eligible based on pregnancy is terminated 60 days postpartum, which limits women’s access to essential services.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of women identified as having died of complications during childbirth in the United States has increased significantly from 2018 to 2020. Black women are notably impacted by this statistic, as the maternal death rate among this group is at 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Crighton supported both bills alongside fellow state Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) as original petitioners of the bills.

“By extending postpartum healthcare coverage to a full year, birthing individuals will be able to access vital physical and behavioral health resources that will decrease mortality and severe morbidity and improve the overall health of parent and child, especially for our minority population,” Lovely said.

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