CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Department of Public Health to announce the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint that will serve as a roadmap to improving maternal health and birthing outcomes across Illinois.

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Stratton, and the birthing justice advocates for their tireless work advancing birth equity and for recognizing the importance of this issue,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “As an advocate for birth equity, I was honored to sponsor this life-saving legislation. Every person — regardless of race or income — deserves a safe and healthy birthing experience.”

The blueprint builds upon the Illinois Birth Equity Initiative, which Collins championed last year. The blueprint outlines four strategic priorities to improve maternal health, representing a multi-agency initiative across the governor and lieutenant governor’s offices, Illinois Departments of Human Services, Public Health, Healthcare and Family Services and more.

The plan outlines the four strategic goals:

1. Expand investments in health quality and provider support
2. Promote access to birthing and specialty care services
3. Establish universal risk assessment, referral, and care coordination framework
4. Develop share measurement and accountability framework for maternal health and birth equity

“As a mother, I know how vital these investments are for women across my district, ensuring access to supportive, community-based care,” said Collins. “Illinois continues to lead the way in maternal health, and I will keep fighting to guarantee that every mother and child has access to safe, quality care.”

The Illinois Birth Equity Initiative work culminated in the Birth Equity Act signed in July 2024, ensuring competitive Medicaid reimbursement rates for doulas, lactation consultants, home visitors, and other community-based care providers who help new mothers.

The full details on the initiative, investments, and more are available online.