HJR122 Summary

• Democratic members of the Alabama Legislature urge the Governor to expand Medicaid coverage for new mothers under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

• Alabama ranks third highest in the nation for maternal death rates at 36.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, more than double the national rate of 17.4

• Pregnancy-related death rates have more than doubled in the United States over the past 30 years, rising from 7 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1987 to 17 in 2016

• Expansion is sought to enhance access to health care, reduce maternal mortality, promote economic activity, create jobs, and protect the wellbeing of mothers and children during the COVID-19 pandemic

• A copy of the resolution shall be sent to Governor Kay Ivey to communicate the Democratic legislature's position on the issue