Maternal Health
“In order to improve maternal health, we have to focus on improving all women’s health and access to care – not just during labor and delivery, but before and after pregnancy, and throughout our lives.” – Dr. Leana Wen
Wyoming Women’s Foundation is dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes for women in Wyoming. By eliminating barriers to perinatal care, providing access to affordable, quality healthcare, and establishing workplace policies that encourage pregnant women to receive care, women can remain healthy and in the workforce.
DATA AND RESOURCES
LEARN ABOUT THE POSTPARTUM MEDICAID EXTENSION
Currently, Wyoming Medicaid expires 60 days after birth for new mothers. Severe maternal morbidity could be avoided if women remain covered under Medicaid and have their conditions addressed before they worsen [Learn More]
Our state has the power to enact change to help women and babies by passing HB4. [Learn More About HB4]
CHECK OUT THE WY COUNTS KIDS REPORT
The Wyoming Community Foundation released a report in partnership with the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center at the University of Wyoming.
This report found that 24% of women in Wyoming received less than adequate prenatal care in 2020. According to the report, maternal mortality increased by 41% from 2018. Access to labor and delivery services is difficult in Wyoming; 23% of babies are born out of their resident county. Due to lack of services, five counties have over 90% of babies being born outside of their county.
To learn more, visit WYCF’s Wyoming Counts Kids Report.
READ MORE ABOUT UNTREATED POSTPARTUM DISORDERS
To learn more about the negative effects of untreated postpartum disorders, visit Mathematica’s Report.
LEARN ABOUT POSTPARTUM UNINSURANCE
In Medicaid paid births, around 22% of women lose insurance after birth. In Medicaid nonexpansion states, like Wyoming, that rate is 36.8%. Hispanic, Spanish-speaking and Indigenous women lose insurance in nonexpansion states at a strikingly higher rate: 72.9% and 60.2%, respectively. Women need health insurance to combat the physical, emotional, and mental health challenges that follow birth.
To read more about postpartum uninsurance, visit JAMA’s Health Forum Research.
GET INVOLVED
JOIN POWER ADVOCATES
YOUR voice can mean all the difference to legislators.
Influence positive change for maternal health policies in Wyoming by becoming a Power Advocate. Stay up-to-date with our Legislative Watch and Action Alerts, receive free Advocacy Trainings, and join in on Community Conversations when you sign up for our mailing list.
Learn more about our Power Advocates here.
STAY UP TO DATE ON OUR INTERIM SESSION TOPIC
WYWF submitted a “Review on Maternal Health Policies” for legislators on the Labor, Health, and Social Services committee to study over the interim session.
At the August Casper meeting, the Labor, Health, and Social Services voted 6-5 to adopt a committee bill that would extend postpartum Medicaid eligibility from 60 days to 12 months of coverage. This bill will start its journey through the legislative process as a committee bill in January 2023.
To learn about upcoming meetings, agendas, and past meeting materials visit Labor, Health, and Social Services committee page.
If you are interested in learning more or testifying in front of the committee, please reach out to Marissa at marissa@wycf.org
SUPPORT THIS WORK
By making a donation to the advocacy efforts at Wyoming Women’s Foundation, you will help us pursue greater equality for women and girls in Wyoming. When women and girls prosper, communities thrive.
Receive a Power Advocate t-shirt with a gift of $50.00 or more! You can find more information and donate here.
Mission: To invest in the economic self-sufficiency of women and opportunities for girls in Wyoming.
Contact Us
Phone: 307-721-8300
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Address: 1472 N. 5th Street, Suite 201 Laramie, WY 82072
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