The United States faces a troubling reality: it is one of the most dangerous developed nations in which to give birth. In Illinois, this national crisis is compounded by severe racial inequities, with African American mothers and infants experiencing disproportionately high mortality rates. In response, the Illinois General Assembly passed Public Act 101-0038 in 2019, establishing a dedicated working group to tackle these disparities and improve outcomes for African American families.
Understanding the Disparities
Public Act 101-0038 highlights sobering statistics:
- Black infants in Illinois are more than twice as likely to die as white infants.
- Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
- These disparities persist across income and education levels.
The law points to root causes beyond economics or genetics, identifying systemic racism and racial bias in healthcare as major contributors. Black patients are more likely to have their concerns dismissed, leading to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.
The Legislative Response: A Dedicated Working Group
Sponsored by Representative Mary Flowers, Public Act 101-0038 (originally House Bill 1) was signed into law in 2019. Its primary goal was to establish a working group focused on infant and maternal mortality among African Americans, operating under the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Composition of the Working Group
The working group brings together a diverse mix of expertise and lived experience, including:
- Directors of key state agencies (Public Health, Healthcare and Family Services, Human Services)
- OB-GYN specialists, nurses, and certified nurse midwives
- Doulas and community health experts
- African American women who have experienced traumatic pregnancies
Mission and Responsibilities
The working group is charged with:
- Reviewing statewide data and research
- Developing evidence-based best practices to reduce racial disparities
- Producing annual reports with recommendations for the Illinois General Assembly
- Meeting quarterly to monitor progress and ensure accountability
Part of a Broader Legislative Effort
Public Act 101-0038 is part of a comprehensive package of 2019 maternal health laws in Illinois, which also includes:
- Mandatory reporting of maternal and infant mortality data by race – improving transparency and identifying gaps in care
- Hospital protocols for hypertension and obstetric emergencies – addressing leading causes of maternal death
- Insurance coverage for perinatal mental health – ensuring access to care during and after pregnancy
- Defined maternal rights for patients – empowering women to be active participants in their healthcare
This multi-faceted approach strengthens the state’s commitment to tackling racial disparities in maternal and infant health.
Implementation and Impact
Since its creation, the working group has been instrumental in shaping policy and improving healthcare practices:
- Improved Data Transparency: Hospitals now report maternal and infant outcomes by race, helping identify disparities more accurately.
- Enhanced Hospital Protocols: Staff receive annual training on obstetric emergencies, and patient identification practices are improved.
- Elevated Patient Agency: Maternal rights empower women to participate actively in their care, improving safety and outcomes.
The working group also aligns with federal initiatives, including the Illinois Maternal Health Task Force, which develops strategic plans to address health equity across the state.
A Continued Commitment
The Illinois Public Act 101-0038 2019 working group represents a significant acknowledgment of systemic failure and a committed step toward change. By combining community voices with medical expertise, the working group is transforming alarming statistics into actionable policies. Illinois continues to implement the recommendations of this group, aiming to ensure that every parent and child in the state has the opportunity to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Illinois Public Act 101-0038 2019?
It is legislation that created a working group to study and address infant and maternal mortality among African Americans in Illinois.
Q2: Who is part of the working group?
The group includes state agency directors, OB-GYN specialists, nurses, midwives, doulas, community health experts, and African American women with lived pregnancy experiences.
Q3: What is the working group’s main mission?
To develop evidence-based recommendations, review maternal and infant mortality data, and provide actionable policy guidance to reduce racial disparities in Illinois.
Q4: How does this act fit into broader Illinois maternal health laws?
It is part of a comprehensive legislative package in 2019 that includes hospital protocols, data reporting, mental health coverage, and patient rights to improve maternal and infant outcomes.
Q5: Why is the working group important?
It ensures that systemic racism and healthcare inequities are addressed, elevates patient agency, and implements policies that save lives and reduce disparities.
Conclusion:
Illinois Public Act 101-0038 (2019) marks a critical step toward addressing the deep racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes across the state. By establishing a dedicated working group that combines medical expertise, community voices, and data-driven policy, Illinois has acknowledged the role of systemic racism in healthcare and taken action to confront it. While challenges remain, the ongoing efforts and recommendations of the working group continue to shape safer, more equitable maternal care. This legislation reflects Illinois’ commitment to ensuring that every mother and infant—regardless of race—has an equal chance at a healthy future.