Alabama prioritizes parents and babies with new health and family support laws
MONTGOMERY, Ala., May 6, 2025 — Alabama is delivering new hope to families with two major new laws that put parents and babies first. By enhancing access to prenatal care and offering paid parental leave to state workers and teachers, state leaders are taking important steps to protect the health, well-being and future of Alabama’s youngest residents.
“The passage of the Alabama Maternal Healthcare Act is a life-changing victory for moms and babies," said Robyn Hyden, executive director of Alabama Arise, which worked alongside the American Heart Association and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to pass the legislation. "For too long, Alabama women have faced needless barriers to early prenatal care; care that can mean the difference between hope and heartbreak. This new law will save lives, build healthier futures and bring much-needed change to our state.”
Gov. Kay Ivey recently signed the Presumptive Medicaid Eligibility bill (SB102 and companion bill HB89) for pregnant women and the Paid Parental Leave bill (HB 327) for state employees and educators into law. She held a ceremonial bill signing event on Thursday to recognize these wins officially.
Presumptive Medicaid Eligibility for Pregnant Women (SB102 and HB89)
- Sponsored by Rep. Marilyn Lands and Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison.
- Allows pregnant women to receive up to 60 days of Medicaid coverage before full application approval.
- Reduces Medicaid coverage delays, ensuring earlier access to prenatal care and better health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Paid Parental Leave for State Employees and K-12 Educators (HB 327)
- Sponsored by Rep. Ginny Shaver and Sen. Vivian Figures.
- 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.
- Enables families to recover, bond and adjust without risking their financial security.
- Helps Alabama better recruit and retain teachers and state employees.
“No one should have to choose between taking care of their family and financial security,” said Cameron Espy, executive director of the Alabama State Employees Association (ASEA). “The Paid Parental Leave bill lets parents focus on what matters most – welcoming and bonding with their new child – without worrying about lost income or burning through their sick days.”
Alabama continues to face a maternal health crisis. Many women, particularly those living in rural and underserved areas, struggle to access timely, life-saving prenatal care. Delayed care can lead to serious health complications for both mothers and babies, making it critical for the state to remove barriers and invest in policies that prioritize maternal and infant health.
"Early access to prenatal care can be the difference between life and death for mothers and babies,” said Regina Thompson, Ed.D., the superintendent of Fairfield City Schools and a member of the American Heart Association Birmingham Metro Board.
“In a state like Alabama, where we face some of the highest maternal mortality and infant death rates in the country, these new policies are a critical step forward. By supporting early care and stronger family protections, we are helping to build healthier families and stronger communities for generations to come."
While this is a major victory for all Alabamians, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, acknowledges that there is still more work to do to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across the state and will continue to advocate for policies that ensure healthier beginnings and stronger futures for all.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform every life day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Josh Till, APR: josh.till@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
