Pritzker, Democrats hope to curb maternal mortality with $23 million budget investment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Pritzker administration hopes to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce health disparities for Black women by making a large investment in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Gov. JB Pritzker wants every woman to have the right to a healthy and safe pregnancy.

"There is no freedom of choice without access to a full spectrum of reproductive healthcare for women and new mothers," Pritzker said Monday. "Unfortunately, our nation is failing mothers and mothers-to-be on nearly every metric."

Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than white women. Pritzker wants to provide $4.4 million to the Illinois Department of Public Health to assess the state's maternal mortality rate and create an action plan.

"Being Black is not a risk factor," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "Continuing a system built on oppression and ignorance is. If we want to repair this generational harm, we need to invest in providers that already have their community's trust."

The statewide action plan will support community-based full spectrum care and allow IDPH to distribute birth equity resource building grants for reproductive healthcare providers.

Pritzker is also calling for a $5 million boost to expand the state's home visiting program and $1 million for a new diaper distribution program. Black lawmakers said this is a huge step to close the gaps in care.

"It's not just in Chicago," said Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). "But it's in rural areas too. It's not just Black women. It's white women. It's all women who have this struggle. Sometimes there's parents who say 'I don't eat because I have to make sure that my child has some diapers.' We're addressing that need directly."

Pritzker has also earmarked $1 million to enhance the state's ability to provide safe and accessible pregnancy support. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services will continue approving Medicaid reimbursement for doulas, lactation consultants and other community-based providers as well.

"HFS is committed to continuing our efforts to reduce maternal health disparities and improve outcomes for all birthing people and babies during pregnancy, through delivery and long after birth," said HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn.

The governor said his proposed Child Tax Credit will also help thousands of low-income families with children under three. Pritzker's Office of Management and Budget expects the tax credit to cost roughly $12 million.

"Women should not have to weigh their own lives against bringing another life into this world," Pritzker said. "In Illinois, we have to take action and we have to take action now."