For Immediate Release:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Media Contact:

Terrance Dixon, Communications Manager

terrance.dixon@vcuhealth.org

804-372-5157

Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative Launches SAFE Birth VA to Strengthen Maternal Health Statewide protecting moms and babies

Richmond, VA, June 30, 2025  – The Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC) is proud to announce the launch of SAFE Birth VA, a statewide maternal health initiative established through House Bill 2753 and Senate Bill 1279, signed into law in March 2025. This meaningful initiative officially takes effect on July 1, 2025, marking a powerful step toward ensuring safer, healthier outcomes for mothers and babies across Virginia. 

SAFE Birth VA requires all Virginia hospitals with emergency departments or labor and delivery units, as well as freestanding emergency departments and birthing centers, to implement standardized, evidence-based protocols to identify and respond to obstetric emergencies such as hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. 

The legislation was championed by Delegate Kim Taylor, Delegate Cliff Hayes, and Senator Emily Jordan, and ceremonially signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center. “Virginia’s mothers bringing a new life into the world are healthier today, with maternal mortality declining by 50 percent over the past three years. And yet, we still have work to do,” said Governor Youngkin. “The ‘Safety Bundle’ protocols bring a new level of comprehensive care for moms and babies as we work to make Virginia the healthiest place for moms to give birth.” 

To support successful implementation and ensure readiness, VNPC will host two virtual learning sessions: 

SAFE Birth VA Learning Session 1 

SAFE Birth VA Learning Session 2 

These sessions will provide an overview of the initiative, outline legislative requirements, and walk through the implementation timeline and next steps. Participation is strongly encouraged for clinical leaders and teams across all affected sites to ensure alignment and preparedness. 

“This initiative is a vital advancement in our mission to protect the health and well-being of moms and babies across Virginia,” said Shannon Pursell, Senior Director of VNPC. “By standardizing care and focusing on evidence-based practices, we are addressing the leading causes of maternal mortality and improving outcomes statewide.” 

For more information about HB2753, visit the Virginia Legislative Information System. 

 

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 Perinatal Collaborative exists to ensure that every mother has the best possible perinatal care and every infant cared for in Virginia has the best possible start to life. The VNPC is an evidence-based, data-driven collaborative that involves care providers for women, infants and families as well as state and local leaders. We believe that working together now will create a stronger, healthier Virginia in the future. 

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

 

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