Maternal Mortality

To help prevent more pregnant women from dying, the Pritzker administration promised that private insurers would cover the cost of doulas to support families. But in many cases, they’re turned away or forced to pay thousands out of pocket.

Preventable pregnancy-related deaths rose and stark racial disparities remained in the Illinois Department of Public Health’s most recent maternal mortality report.

The bill-signing in Chicago came hours after Iowa enacted a six-week abortion ban — further enshrining Illinois as a safe haven for those seeking reproductive care services. Neighboring Indiana, Missouri and Kentucky also have abortion bans in place.

Maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are the highest among developed nations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists report a 26%…