Senate panel advances bill aimed at reducing Black maternal health disparities

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee advanced House Bill 26‑1044 on March 29, a measure sponsors said would address Colorado’s racial disparities in maternal outcomes by improving provider training, increasing transparency and codifying a maternal health task force within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Sponsor Senator Exum told the committee the bill requires continuing education for clinicians on cultural competency and respectful maternal care, mandates that birthing parents receive a brief bill of rights describing their dignity and care options, and creates standardized anonymous surveys to capture patient feedback. The bill also codifies the maternal health task force in CDPHE and requires that the task force include at least one Black maternal health advocate and report disparities to the legislature every three years.

Senator Benavides emphasized national disparities in maternal mortality rates and cited 2023 figures discussed in the hearing: he said Black and African‑American mothers experienced 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births (compared with lower rates for other groups), a statistic he offered to demonstrate the magnitude of the problem.

Community advocates, clinicians and nonprofit organizations gave personal testimony about being dismissed or not believed in clinical settings, the trauma that can follow, and the need for culturally responsive care. Velveeta Golightly Howell, founder and CEO of Sister 2 Sister International Network, described cases where Black women’s concerns were minimized and urged lawmakers to adopt the bill. Other speakers, including representatives from Metro Caring, Families for Resource Center, Colorado PTA and community doulas, described how improved accountability and support services can improve outcomes for families.

Sponsors said the bill would provide better data and accountability, and they moved HB 26‑1044 to the committee of the whole for additional consideration.

Next steps: The bill will be considered by the committee of the whole; lawmakers and advocates said they will continue work on implementation details and reporting timelines.