In a major win for maternal and child health in New Jersey, former Governor Murphy signed four new bills to strengthen health outcomes for mothers and infants into law earlier this year.
The four bills include:
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- Mandated maternal lead screening for pregnant patients to identify risks early and prevent complications like preeclampsia and preterm birth.
- A public awareness campaign highlighting the benefits of doula and midwife services.
- Protections for pregnant firefighters that require fire departments to adopt policies, including light-duty assignment options.
- An insurance enrollment extension that increased the window for parents to enroll a newborn in health insurance from 60 days to 90 days.
Not only does this new legislation support New Jersey parents and children, but it also advances our mission at the Partnership. We believe that all people must have access to safe, respectful births, and that every family deserves the chance to thrive.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Progress
Mandated lead screening for pregnant patients will improve lead poisoning prevention, a foundational step for our Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention team, which works to eliminate childhood lead poisoning and maintain healthy, safe homes.
“By requiring risk-based lead screening during pregnancy, the state is prioritizing earlier identification of exposure, which is critical for preventing complications before they escalate,” said Victoria Lopes, Program Manager for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention at the Partnership. “While we do not conduct clinical screenings or abatement services, this legislation directly supports our work. Screening pregnant patients for lead creates a natural bridge to prevention, ensuring families receive timely information, understand environmental risks, and know how to reduce exposure in their homes,” explained Lopes.
Doulas Improve Maternal and Child Health Outcomes
Another pivotal gain is the state’s public awareness campaign about doulas and midwives. Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. As part of our health equity initiatives, the Partnership offers doula resources, including both community and postpartum doulas, as well as a high-quality 23-week doula training program.
“Investing in doula care yields powerful returns: healthier births, lower public health costs, and greater maternal and infant health equity,” concluded a 2023 joint report by the New Jersey Healthcare Quality Institute and The Burke Foundation.
Working Together to Strengthen Maternal, Child, and Family Health
Each bill passed to support parents and children is another step toward advancing maternal and child health. Creating a world in which all pregnant people have safe, respectful births and all families can flourish will require collaborative, sustained work from many entities. The Partnership is honored to be a driver of that change, and we are here to help amplify, support, and empower our communities through our programs and shared resources.
Learn more about the Partnership’s resources and programs for mothers and families, professional education opportunities for healthcare professionals, how you can get involved, and more here.
Read more about the newly passed legislation here.