New Hampshire Lawmakers Introduce Momnibus 2.0

CONCORD, NH – At today’s Senate Health and Human Services Committee public hearing for Momnibus 2.0 (SB 246), legislation that supports the health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women, families, and maternal health providers, committee members unanimously voted in executive session to advance the legislation with an “Ought to Pass” recommendation. This major win comes directly after a group of bipartisan lawmakers, with support from a broad coalition of maternal health advocates, introduced the legislation at a press conference this morning.

The legislation takes important steps to address gaps in maternal health care, perinatal mental health, and postpartum support, as substance use disorders and mental health conditions continue to be the leading drivers of maternal mortality in New Hampshire. Specifically, the bill:

1. Improves Maternal Mental Health

The bill would improve maternal mental health screening, reduce barriers to accessing mental health care, and ensure providers are equipped with the support they need to address maternal depression.

2. Supports Moms Across New Hampshire

This bill studies barriers to and sustainability of independent birth centers and trains EMS providers in rural communities on labor and delivery emergencies

3. Strengthens Workforce Protections

The bill will provide unpaid leave for parents attending postpartum and pediatric appointments

4. Expands Family Supports

The bill will support families by expanding access to home visits and launching a study on perinatal peer support

“Moms across New Hampshire are essential to the growth and prosperity of our communities. That’s why we must ensure that we are supporting them. I’m proud that Momnibus 2.0 has bipartisan backing–because ensuring moms and babies receive the care they need is something everyone can get behind. Supporting our moms and families is a shared value that unites us across the state and party lines,” said Senator Denise Ricciardi (R-09).

“As a mother, I know that moms too often put everyone else’s needs above their own. That is why I am proud to introduce Momnibus 2.0 – legislation that put’s mom’s health and wellbeing first. It addresses critical gaps in New Hampshire’s maternal health care, including ensuring EMS providers in rural areas are trained in birth and delivery practices, so no mother is left without proper care just because of their zip code. This is just one example of how this legislation takes meaningful steps to support moms here in the Granite State,” said Senator Sue Prentiss (D-05).

“Moms are the backbone of families across New Hampshire, and it is essential that we do what we can to support their health and well-being. I am proud to champion Momnibus 2.0, legislation that would close gaps in maternal health care and expand access to the critical services our moms need to thrive. When we invest in maternal health, we are investing in stronger families and healthier communities across the Granite State,” said Rep. Catherine Rombeau (D-Bedford).

“As a mom of four and a proponent of responsible, effective policy, I understand the importance of strong families as a cornerstone of a robust economy. Mothers play a vital role in our communities, and it is essential we ensure they have access to high-quality maternal health care in the Granite State. I am proud to endorse Momnibus 2.0— legislation that prioritizes strategic investments in maternal health and empowers families throughout New Hampshire. Together, we can support moms while fostering healthier communities and a more prosperous future for our state.” said Rep. Katelyn Kuttab (R-Windham).

"Momnibus 2.0 broadens the community, education, tools, and resources that ALL moms need. This is more than just policy—prioritizing moms will have a ripple effect in our communities, changing lives and contributing to extraordinary outcomes. I urge lawmakers to pass SB 246 and make maternal health a priority in our state." said Julie Mudd, social worker, parent coach, and super mom of three from Bedford, New Hampshire.

"As a maternal mental health advocate and someone who has personally experienced the devastating impact of untreated maternal mental health conditions, I know firsthand how critical SB 246 is for moms and families across New Hampshire. Too many mothers struggle in silence, unsure of where to turn for help. Momnibus 2.0 will help ensure that no mom has to navigate these challenges alone—by expanding access to maternal mental health screenings, improving access to peer support, and making it easier for moms to get the care they need. We have an opportunity to make real change and support moms before they reach a crisis point. Strong moms mean strong families, and I urge lawmakers to vote YES on SB 246,” said Heather Martin, Maternal Mental Health Navigator at Dartmouth Health Children’s and advocate for maternal mental health.

“The NH chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which represents all pediatric providers in this state, strongly supports SB 246. Momnibus 2.0 will result in mental health screening whenever a mother brings her child to a pediatric appointment. We have gaps in our health system. SB 246 helps to address those gaps. We need healthy mothers who are well supported as they are a foundation to healthy families,” said Julie Kim MD, PhD, President, NH chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

A copy of the bill can be found HERE. A one-pager on the bill can be found HERE.

This legislation is sponsored by Senator Denise Ricciardi (R-09) and Senator Sue Prentiss (D-05), and is supported by a broad coalition of maternal health advocates, including Reproductive Equity Now, New Futures, Mom’s Rising, and the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation.

New Hampshire moms continue to face large gaps in maternal health and wellness. Behavioral health, including substance overdoses, is the leading cause of maternal mortality in New Hampshire. In the past two decades, 11 maternity wards in the state have closed. As Granite Staters continue to face threats to our already-fragile maternal health ecosystem, it is time for us to once again stand up to support our moms.

This bill builds off the success of Momnibus 1.0, which was signed into law in 2023 and took steps to improve maternal health by increasing access to lactation and doula services, investing in family resource centers, and expanding Medicaid coverage for postpartum moms.