Harrisburg, PA – Since taking office in 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro has prioritized improving maternal health care across Pennsylvania. Over the past three years, the Shapiro Administration invested $12.3 million to reduce pregnancy-related deaths and health issues.
Prior to Governor Shapiro taking office, there was no specific line item in the state budget for maternal health. During his first year in office, the Governor proposed, and won, legislative approval for the historic, first-time investment of $2.3 million in maternal health, increasing the investment in each of the past three years.
This investment set a foundation for the creation of the state’s maternal health strategic action plan: “Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures.”
The maternal health strategic action plan is a comprehensive multi-agency effort. The first-of-its-kind plan in Pennsylvania contains strategic goals, actionable data, ongoing research, and evidence-based recommendations to combat maternal health disparities, helping to shape the quality of life for both mothers and their children.
Mothers across the Commonwealth are voicing their support for these important investments to improve health outcomes.
Click here to watch NEPA resident Joy Golden and click here to watch Lehigh Valley resident Brenda Gomez explain why investing in maternal health is so important.
Joy: Investing in maternal health is life-changing and life-saving.
Joy Golden, NEPA resident discussing the importance of maternal health investments.
“It's important that we're investing because it's life-changing and lifesaving.
“Not only does it help the woman, it helps the babies, and prevents so many accidents of deaths or different health circumstances that could be preventable.”
Brenda: Cuando un gobierno protege a una madre, protege también la niñez.
Brenda Gomez, Lehigh Valley resident discussing the importance of maternal health investments
Brenda Gomez (right), Lehigh Valley resident
SPANISH: “Porque la maternidad es una base fundamental de la sociedad.
“Cuando un gobierno protege a una madre, protege también la niñez.
“A las familias, al desarrollo del país.
“Invertir en la maternidad significa invertir en salud, educación, estabilidad social, valores comunitarios, y futuros humanos.”
ENGLISH: “Because maternity is a fundamental foundation of society.
“When a government protects a mother, they also protect children, families, and the development of the country.
“Investing in maternity health means investing in health, education, social stability, community values, and the future.”
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