With Alabama facing a maternal health crisis, particularly for women living in rural and underserved areas, Governor Kay Ivey recently signed two bills that aim to provide aid to pregnant women.

The Presumptive Medicaid Eligibility bill allows pregnant women to receive up to 60 days of Medicaid coverage before full application approval, and reduces Medicaid coverage delays, ensuring earlier access to prenatal care and better health outcomes for mothers and babies.

The Paid Parental Leave for State Employees and K-12 Educators legislation provides up to eight weeks of paid leave for full-time female employees and two weeks for full-time male employees following the birth, adoption or death of a child.