The Colorado House recently passed legislation requiring the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to report on maternal health outcomes for Black birthing parents and known causes of any disparate outcomes. House Bill 1044 requires health care providers to undergo cultural competency training as part of their continuing medical education (CME). Birthing facilities would also be required to provide information to patients who request it about their rights, which include the right to “culturally sensitive, evidence-based care” and the right to have a birthing companion and family member during the birth.
According to reporting from the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2023 the maternal mortality rate for Black women was more than three times higher than white women. In addition, Black and American Indian and Alaska Native infants are at least two times more likely to die than white infants. Research from the Centers for Disease Control also shows that pregnancy-related mortality of Black women persists across education and income levels, and Black women are at a significantly higher risk for severe maternal morbidity, which includes conditions such as preeclampsia.
“Implicit and explicit bias in obstetric care, including delayed treatment and the dismissal of symptoms, can be a major barrier for Black birthing patients,” said Rep. Junie Joseph (D-Boulder) in a news release. “This bill urges cultural competency and equity training to be included in continued education requirements for providers to help prevent harm.”
Colorado lawmakers have long sought to address disparities in health care for people of color, particularly as it pertains to child birth. In 2021, former Rep. Leslie Herod introduced legislation to address “culturally congruent care” and other issues, including postpartum mental health. In 2024, Colorado passed House Bill 1262, which aimed to improve maternal health care in Colorado. The bill modified the midwife licensure process and created a new professional title, required the collection of more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period, and required advance notice to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services.
Joseph also sponsored the Hair Product Transparency and Safety Act, which also recently passed the House. “We also passed the Hair Product Transparency and Safety Act to require a clear warning on haircare products that contain carcinogenic materials,” she said in a news release. “By addressing health disparities, these bills bring us closer to improving health and safety outcomes for women of color.”
The bills will now head to the Senate. House Bill 1044’s Senate sponsors are Sen. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams County) and Sen. Tony Exum (R-CO Springs), and 1135’s are Benavidez and Sen. Janice Marchman (D-Loveland).
