“The path of least resistance is a dead end. If we want something different, we have to be open to doing something different. But too many initiatives being marketed to taxpayers as “solutions” to maternal health inequities merely recycle the same old strategies that have already proven ineffective.” – Callan Jaress
HBC is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to the liberation of reproductive justice and fundamental change in health inequity related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the extended postpartum duration. Our policy initiatives are enacted at state and local levels. This includes policy development, lobbying, coalition building, and community organizing.
HB 003
The RLJA improves and builds upon prior legislation to comprehensively address gaps and harmful systems that negatively affect the health of people who become pregnant in Illinois. It works to decriminalize Substance Use disorder and encourage recovery, affirms the rights of parents who endure stillbirth, and makes maternity care rights more accessible.
Holistic Birth Collective co authored, filled and lobbied for Public Act 102-0964 which expands the family planning service exemption from MCO network restrictions to also apply to non emergency prenatal and perinatal healthcare services.
Public Act 102-0964 ensures equitable access to reproductive health options and advances Medicaid payment structures that support high-value perinatal care.
The LCPM Practice Act creates a path toward certification for midwives by allowing Licensed Certified Professional Midwives to attend out-of-hospital births in home and birth center settings.
The LCPM Practice Act passed while Star August, co-founder of HBC, was President of the Illinois Council of Certified Professional Midwives.
SB 1041
HBC’s first dive into legislative advocacy proposed a Medical Voucher Program and Maternity Episode Payment Model. Though the bill passed the House with flying colors it did not make it through the Senate.
