FAQ
Author:
The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has sparked important conversations around the health of women and birth givers across our state. Given this decision, we would like to address some questions and concerns you may have:
What is HMHBGA’s mission?
Our mission is to improve maternal and infant health through advocacy, education, and access to vital resources.
Since 1974, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA) has been the strongest statewide voice for improved access to healthcare and health outcomes for Georgia’s mothers, birth givers, and babies. HMHBGA is the only organization in Georgia that focuses on the full spectrum of maternal and child health concerns from prematurity to maternal mortality.
Does HMHBGA have a stance on abortion?
No. We are a nonpartisan organization. As we always have, we will continue to ensure that women, birth givers, and families have access to vital resources. However, it is imperative that we acknowledge the repeal of Roe. V. Wade would increase at-risk pregnancies in our state, therefore increasing the need for critical services and policies for those individuals.
What is HMHBGA’s policy agenda?
During the 2022 HMHBGA worked diligently to fight for its Legislative Policy Agenda. Informed by our advocacy, the state successfully passed the expansion of pregnancy Medicaid from six months to one year postpartum. This was a huge win for the health and safety of mothers and birthers in our state. However, many of our policy objectives from 2022 will be continued in 2023. These objectives include:
Supporting legislation to protect pregnancy and postpartum employees in the workplace and provide appropriate workplace accommodations.
Ensuring adequate funding for the Department of Public Health’s Maternal & Child Health Section.
Supporting Doula Medicaid Reimbursement for prenatal, birth, and postpartum doula services.
Increasing access to adequate oral healthcare for pregnant women including but not limited to oral health, mental health, and cardiac health.
Supporting the increase of the state tobacco product excise tax on both tobacco and tobacco alternative products.
You can read the details of HMHBGA’s 2022 policy objectives here.
We are looking to release a comprehensive 2023 Legislative Policy Agenda soon.
If I am looking for more resources and information on reproductive rights, where can I go?
HMHBGA recognizes the power of partnerships and serves as an important connector to resources for families. To that end, we recommend contacting the following organization for resources and information on reproductive rights:
If I am pregnant or planning for a child, what resources do HMHBGA provide?
Our team at HMHBGA is committed to providing the resources and information mothers, birth givers, and families need to thrive in the state of Georgia. We currently offer the following:
Information & Referral Services: On behalf of the Georgia Department of Public Health, HMHBGA operates the Georgia Family Healthline, Children 1st high-risk screening line, and Help Me Grow Georgia to provide callers with appropriate referrals and resources across the State. HMHBGA also operates the Prevent Child Abuse Georgia Helpline on behalf of Georgia State University. You can reach us Mon-Fri from 8 AM-5 PM at 1-888-457-4769.
Pickles & Ice Cream Georgia: Aimed at educating and empowering women and their families in the perinatal period, P&I offers virtual education sessions on prenatal and postpartum education classes, breastfeeding classes, and baby care classes led by professional child-birth educators; peer support groups; and a dynamic online platform. Visit us at picklesandicecreamga.org.
Perinatal Kits: To encourage positive maternal health and wellness, we provide free essential items needed for birth givers during the prenatal and postpartum period as an early intervention to maternal morbidity in Georgia. To order your kit, please complete our form.
Maternal Mental Health Support: Our maternal mental health peer support groups provide all mothers and birth givers the support needed to help with their mental health during and after pregnancy. All groups are led by volunteer moms who are trained in how to provide a safe space and facilitate a successful peer support group. See all available groups and schedules here.
Perinatal Workforce Development: To help fight birth disparities in Georgia’s most vulnerable communities, our Building Perinatal Support Professionals (BPSP) program provides scholarship and mentorship for those seeking credentialing as a Certified Doula, Maternal Mental Health Certified Peer Specialist, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and Childbirth Educator. Learn more about our program.
How can I get involved with HMHBGA?
HMHBGA convenes a number of working groups to address priority maternal and infant health topics:
Oral Health & Pregnancy
Doula Access
Georgia Coalition of Pregnant Workers
Maternal Mortality Stakeholders Group
Infant Mortality
Planning for Healthy Babies
Please email Madison Scott at madison.scott@hmhbga.org for more information about joining a working group.
Additionally, we are looking for individuals to join our Community Advisory Committee. The Committee will support the interaction of families, community organizations, and businesses, and ensure that HMHBGA’s activities are responsive and culturally relevant to those it serves.
If you are interested in applying, learn more here.