Contact: Kate Constalie, kate.constalie@legis.wi.gov 608-266-5490

Birth Outcomes to Worsen after Republicans Reject MA Expansion

MADISON – In his state budget proposal, Gov. Tony Evers introduced the Healthy Women, Healthy Babies proposal that would have reinvested savings from expanding Medicaid into initiatives to improve access to women’s health care services, support healthier pregnancies and births, and address racial disparities in maternal and child health. Despite overwhelming public support, Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee rejected Medicaid expansion and eliminated the Healthy Women, Healthy Babies proposal. For a second day in a row, Senate Republicans pushed through a series problematic bills that do nothing to help improve birth outcomes and increase access to women’s health services.

“This is more political theatrics from the same politicians who are trying to distract from their dismantling of a state budget that has overwhelming public support,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Given the lack of diversity in the Senate Republican caucus, it makes it difficult to have an open and honest discussion about improving better birth outcomes for women and especially women of color. Republicans should be focused on policies that will improve the health of moms and babies in our state, like expanding Medicaid and supporting the Governor’s Healthy Women, Healthy Babies proposal. These policies mean more people – especially women and children – have access to the health care they need.”

Wisconsin has the worst racial disparities for infant mortality rates in the in nation and a recent study showed that states that expanded Medicaid saw a significant reduction in infant mortality rates.

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