LANSING, Mich. (April 17, 2025) — Today, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bills 29–34 and 36–39, the “Momnibus” bill package, which was championed by Sens. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). This multi-faceted bill package works to improve integrity and accountability in Michigan’s maternal health care system, ensuring every family has an equitable opportunity to experience a healthy, empowering pregnancy and birth.
“Today’s Senate passage of Momnibus is one step forward in our longstanding fight for reproductive and obstetric justice and equity for Black and Brown families here in Michigan,” said Sen. Geiss, lead sponsor of the bill package. “This commonsense legislation paves the way for positive pregnancy and birthing experiences rooted in empowerment, love, and joy. As a mom and policymaker, I’m proud to continue leading this effort to help protect Black and Brown mamas and babies from systemic injustices that have disproportionately harmed our communities for far too long.”
“Momnibus” was first introduced in the spring of last year and later passed by the Senate with bipartisan support but did not reach the governor’s desk. Today’s passage of this legislation is the latest progress on this effort and underscores Senate Democrats’ commitment to ensuring healthy outcomes for Michigan moms and babies.
“Everyone deserves access to a safe, affirming pregnancy and birthing experience, and today’s Senate passage of our Momnibus package is significant progress toward that reality,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “As the youngest female Senator, I’m proud to be a part of this historic effort to dismantle systemic inequities that have historically worked against the health and well-being of Black and Brown families. Let’s get this across the finish line for the betterment of Michigan’s moms and babies.”
This legislation builds on existing community-driven initiatives and has garnered broad support from various maternal health advocacy organizations. Together, the following bills aim to improve maternal health outcomes in Michigan through equitable data requirements, antidiscrimination measures, patient protections, and more:
Senate Bill 29 (Sen. Geiss): Requires the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to include studies and reports on biased or unjust perinatal care, including but not limited to instances of obstetric violence or racism, on their website. The bill also codifies the use and duties of the Maternal Mortality Review Team.
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Senate Bill 30 (Sen. Geiss): Creates the Biased and Unjust Care Reporting Act and directs DHHS to create a tool for patients to self-report experiences of obstetric racism.
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Senate Bill 31 (Sen. Cavanagh): Requires hospitals to provide the Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) with evidence that they have policies in place to support patient protections and ensure that patients can bring their doula, spouse, or companion with them during labor.
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Senate Bill 32 (Sen. Cavanagh): Upon request from DHHS, the Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services will collect information on medical malpractice insurers’ policies related to perinatal care services.
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Senate Bill 33 (Sen. Anthony): Ensures pregnancy status does not affect the right for a designated patient advocate to make life-sustaining treatment decisions.
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Senate Bill 34 (Sen. Chang): Amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to make clear that “sex” includes but is not limited to pregnancy or lactation status in public places and in the workplace.
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Senate Bill 36 (Sen. Anthony): Amends the Public Health Code to add licensed midwives and midwifery programs to the Michigan Essential Health Provider Repayment program.
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Senate Bill 37 (Sen. Santana): Requires private insurers to reimburse licensed midwives for services.
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Senate Bill 38 (Sen. Santana): Expands Medicaid coverage for perinatal and gynecological services.
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Senate Bill 39 (Sen. Anthony): Requires Medicaid coverage for off-site or remote ultrasound procedures and fetal nonstress tests.
“For too long, Black mothers have faced a health care system that addresses their pain last, their needs too late, and fails to prevent the tragedies we know are avoidable,” said Sen. Anthony. “This package is a direct response to that truth — it brings us one step closer toward a future where every mother receives the care she deserves.”
“Black expectant moms and all moms deserve a health care system that truly sees, hears, and understands their needs. Lactating moms deserve protections for their rights and the health of their babies,” said Sen. Chang. “I’m proud that the Michigan Momnibus package received bipartisan support last term, and I’m excited that these bills are now one step closer to the finish line.”
“Black and Brown mothers are no different than white mothers, yet the care they receive is too often inequitable and inadequate. In 2025, that is wholly and completely unacceptable,” said Sen. Santana. “We owe it to the countless mothers we’ve lost to fix a system that has failed them for far too long. This legislation is a bold and necessary step toward justice — one that affirms that every mother, regardless of race or background, deserves to survive childbirth and thrive beyond it.”
“The Michigan Momnibus reflects years of advocacy, research, and lived experience brought forward by our coalition. During Black Maternal Health Week, this full Senate vote is especially meaningful. It shows that when we center community voices — especially those most impacted —we can create bold, life-affirming policy,” said Cassy Jones-McBryde, Policy Lead for the Michigan State of Birth Justice Coalition and Founder and Executive Director of the Michigan Chamber for Reproductive Justice. “We’re proud to have helped shape this legislation and will continue to push for a future where maternal health is treated with the urgency, equity, and dignity it deserves.”
“The Michigan Momnibus is one step closer to actualizing what every mother deserves: safety, respect, care, and support. No mother should have to advocate for their rights to these things,” said Elon Geffrard, Cofounder and Program Director of Birth Detroit. “Through the Michigan Momnibus package of bills, we are able to lead the way in increasing access to midwives and doulas, making Michigan a safer, more caring place to give birth and raise your family, regardless of your race or economic status.”
These bills have now been sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.