Cephas applauds Clinton Policy Institute’s Maternal Health State Playbook
Rep. Morgan B. Cephas October 15, 2026 | 4:31 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 15 – State Rep. and PA Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chair Morgan Cephas issued a response to the Clinton Policy Institute’s Maternal Health State Playbook.
The 61-page playbook calls on states to lead the effort on improving maternal health outcomes, emphasizes the impact of Momnibus legislative packages, recommends states’ successful policies and models, and identifies opportunities for action.
“In Pennsylvania, we have seen the importance of strengthening maternal health data and accountability so we can better identify gaps in care and develop solutions that save lives, particularly for Black women who are at a disproportionate risk for maternal mortality," said Cephas, D-Phila. "This playbook is a valuable resource for state leaders looking to build on proven approaches and ensure every family has the opportunity to experience a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.”
This May, Cephas was amongst the lawmakers from Virginia and Pennsylvania, two states with Momnibus legislative packages, brought together by CPI. Cephas told Pluribus News this meeting introduced her to new funding opportunities. She told the outlet, “As legislators we can issue grants, we can pass legislation, we can move policy, but we want to ensure that funding opportunities and programs that are tackling this issue are sustainable.”
Recommendations in the playbook include expanding Medicaid coverage of maternal health care, such as doula and midwifery coverage and access, as well as modernizing and funding birth centers.
The PA Black Maternal Health Caucus was formed in 2023 by Cephas and state Reps. Gina Curry, D-Delaware, and La’Tasha Mayes, D-Allegheny. The caucus is a bicameral group composed of over 50 legislators focused on boldly addressing the disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in Pennsylvania through strategic, intersectional legislation and policy.