AL SJR106

Recognizes the first report from Alabama's Maternal Mortality Review Committee (AL-MMRC), launched in 2018 by the Alabama Department of Public Health to address maternal mortality.

Documents findings from the AL-MMRC's 2016 case reviews showing 36 maternal deaths, with 13 directly related to pregnancy, nearly 70 percent potentially preventable, and 67 percent of deceased women being Medicaid recipients.

Identifies mental health and substance abuse disorders as key contributors in almost 50 percent of maternal deaths, with two-thirds of deaths occurring 43 days to one year after pregnancy ended.

Records over 100 recommendations including expanding Medicaid coverage for women up to one year postpartum, waiving the 30-day Medicaid waiting period for postpartum tubal ligation, and increasing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Commits the Alabama Legislature to continued funding of the AL-MMRC to review maternal deaths and develop programs to improve maternal health outcomes and save lives.