SACRAMENTO – Across the state, women in rural communities face a growing healthcare crisis due to the lack of maternity care options. Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire’s (D-North Coast) bill, SB 669, to increase access to perinatal care in rural communities through a first-of-its-kind pilot project, was signed by Governor Newsom last week.

Due to hospitals shutting maternity wards in rural parts of the state, lower birth rates and workforce challenges, thousands of women in rural areas or across the Golden State face maternity care deserts when having their baby, which is a dangerous situation. Since 2014, more than 50 hospitals stopped delivering babies. In 2024 alone, seven hospitals shut down maternity units.

SB 669 creates an innovative pilot program to authorize up to five rural hospitals throughout the state to partner with licensed birth centers to provide perinatal services in rural communities. These birthing centers can now open up in rural towns and provide prenatal care for mothers prior to birth and birthing assistance at the time of delivery. 

“Expecting moms and their families in rural California deserve better. Childbirth is one of the most joyful and stressful experiences in life and no one should have to drive for hours while experiencing labor pains or terrifying pregnancy complications,” Pro Tem McGuire said. “SB 669 will provide women with a choice to deliver their babies close to home, the way it should be. Hospital-affiliated birthing centers can now offer maternal care which is a game changer. This new law gives women the ability to have their babies in their hometown and it restores maternity care in communities that are currently maternity deserts. The majority of other states already have this practice in place, and we know this will lead to better outcomes for moms and babies in rural California.”

Research has shown that women who received maternity care through birthing centers were more likely to be satisfied with their delivery and birthing experience, compared to those who receive care from a standard hospital. This has been attributed to developing positive relationships with providers, more personal treatment with patients and receiving comprehensive, culturally competent care.

Under SB 669, hospitals offering perinatal services would be required to meet specific standards regarding patient protection, staffing, training, and equipment. Doctors and staff will be on call 24 hours a day, and able to provide care within 30 minutes of being notified.

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Mike McGuire is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. He represents the North Coast of California, which stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, including Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. Website of Senate Leader McGuire: https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/