Advocate for Better Policies and Programs
Maternity Care Coalition (MCC) works in partnership across Pennsylvania and Delaware to address racial and social inequities in maternal and child health, early childhood care and education, and economic security.
MCC advocates for a future in which parents impacted by racial and social inequities can birth with dignity, parent with autonomy, and raise babies who are healthy, growing, and thriving. We engage policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to develop and improve public policies and practices.
Policy Priorities and Areas of Focus
Maternal and Child Health
MCC helps lead the Thriving PA Perinatal Health Advocacy campaign to ensure all women and birthing people have access to the health resources they need to give birth to and raise their children by:
- Establishing a perinatal (meaning before and after birth) mental health support and psychiatric access pilot program.
- Ensuring every birthing person has access to coverage during pregnancy by advocating for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for immigrants who are pregnant and their babies.
- Collaborating with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to expand and ensure the sustainability of home visiting funded through Medicaid Managed Care organizations.
- Monitoring progress toward Medicaid reimbursement for doula services.
- Supporting campaigns advocating for universal paid leave in Pennsylvania and a state Earned Income Tax Credit.
Learn more: Thriving PA
Early Child Care and Education
The first three years of a child’s life are the most critical for development. Participation in evidence-based home visiting programs can help improve child development and school readiness, maternal and child health, economic self-sufficiency, and positive parenting practices.
In partnership with Childhood Begins at Home, MCC advocates for expanding access to evidence-based home visiting for Pennsylvania families by helping policymakers and the public understand the value of evidence-based home visiting and supporting public investments in the programs.
Learn more: Childhood Begins at Home
Prenatal to Three: Economic Security
Research suggests that economic security is a strong indicator of long-term well-being for families. MCC promotes economic security for pregnant people and families with children from birth through age three by participating in coalitions working to:
- Advocate for a Pennsylvania State Earned Income Tax Credit
- Establish a universal paid family and medical leave program in Pennsylvania
Resources to learn more:
Grassroots Advocacy
In 2022, MCC established a Community Advisory and Advocacy Committee (CAAC). The committee is a group of volunteers who work collaboratively to build bridges between MCC and the communities the organization serves. CAAC strives to be a resident and community-led committee which fosters genuine connections between MCC programs and advocacy efforts within our local communities.