For Immediate Release:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Media Contact:

Terrance Dixon, Communications Manager

terrance.dixon@vcuhealth.org

804-372-5157

Governor Approves Groundbreaking Maternal Health Bill in Virginia

Richmond, VA, March 26, 2025 – Governor Glenn Youngkin has approved House Bill 2753, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at enhancing maternal health care across the Commonwealth. Signed into law on March 24, 2025, this legislation underscores Virginia’s commitment to our moms and babies by requiring all hospitals with an emergency department or labor and delivery, freestanding emergency departments, and birthing centers to work with the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC).

House Bill 2753 mandates the implementation of standardized protocols for identifying and responding to obstetric emergencies, such as obstetric hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. These protocols will be developed by the VNPC, in collaborate with facilities and account for their specific resources, patient populations, and care models. The protocols are based on clinical safety bundles established by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health.

To ensure accountability and data-driven improvements, the VNPC will collect data on the implementation of these protocols and maternal health outcomes and report annually to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the General Assembly.

“This bill represents a major step forward in protecting the health and well-being of mothers across Virginia,” said Shannon Pursell, Senior Director of the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative. “By establishing standardized care and focusing on evidence-based practices, we are tackling the leading causes of maternal mortality and ensuring better outcomes for moms and babies statewide.”

The VNPC, dedicated to using data-driven strategies to enhance maternal and infant health, will work with healthcare providers, birthing centers, community organizations, and state and local agencies to ensure that every mother receives high-quality care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

For more information about House Bill 2753 and its impact on maternal health, please visit the Virginia Legislative Information System.

About Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative: The Virginia Neonatal Pregnancy Collaborative is a leading organization dedicated to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Virginia. Through research, education, and collaboration, VNPC strives to reduce maternal mortality, enhance care, and support families throughout the state.

For more information about VNPC and our initiatives, visit our website or connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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