Policy Agenda
Sample Policies
Black Maternal Health
The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries. And Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that in 2021 Black women were 2.6 times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related causes. These model policies represent efforts to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.
Lactation Access
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization recommend breastfeeding for infants approximately 6 months after birth. These model bills focus on expanding lactation access and protecting parents from discrimination at work and in public spaces.
Prevent Denials of Care
The U.S. has seen an increase in laws that seek to deny access to healthcare under moral and religious objections. Anti-abortion politicians have brought litigation to threaten the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). States can use these model polices to stop denials of care and prevent healthcare discrimination.
Protecting Patients and Providers
Ensuring the safety and privacy of patients and healthcare providers must be a priority for all states. And the digital footprints we all leave - from electronic health records and period-tracking apps to GPS tracking - requires states to enact laws ensuring protections for patients and healthcare providers.
State Protections for Reproductive Freedom
States have the ability to codify the right to abortion and reproductive freedom through laws and ballot initiatives which amend their state constitutions. The model language provided here is intended create broad state protections for reproductive rights.
Youth Access
In the United States young people under the age of 18 often face a patchwork of legal and logistical challenges to access care. These model policies seek to honor the dignity of youth and ensure they have access to the healthcare and information they need.