The State Behind Roe's Likely Demise Also Does the Least for New Parents in Need
https://www.propublica.org/article/mississippi-abortion-medicaid-roe-wade-scotus
Mississippians on Medicaid lose coverage a mere 60 days after childbirth. When women dont have that coverage, what happens is they die, says one expert.
by Sarah Smith
May 16, 6 a.m. EDT
Supporters of abortion rights protest at the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson on May 6. Credit:Rogelio V. Solis/AP
When it comes to reproductive care, Mississippi has a dual distinction. The state spawned the law that likely will lead to the Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade. It is also unique among Deep South states for doing the least to provide health care coverage to low-income people who have given birth.
Mississippians on Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor, lose coverage a mere 60 days after childbirth. Thats often well before the onset of postpartum depression or life-threatening, birth-related infections: A 2020 study found that people racked up 81% of their postpartum expenses between 60 days and a year after delivery. And Mississippis own Maternal Mortality Review Committee found that 37% of pregnancy-related deaths between 2013 and 2016 occurred more than six weeks postpartum.
Every other state in the Deep South has extended or is in the process of extending Medicaid coverage to 12 months postpartum. Wyoming and South Dakota are the only other states where trigger laws will outlaw nearly all abortions if Roe falls and where lawmakers havent expanded Medicaid or extended postpartum coverage.
Its hypocrisy to say that we are pro-life on one end, that we want to protect the baby, but yet you dont want to pass this kind of legislation that will protect that mom who has to bear the responsibility of that child, said Cassandra Welchlin, executive director of the MS Black Womens Roundtable, a nonprofit that works at the intersection of race, gender and economic justice.
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